THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
53 
That is true,” was the response, “ and I can 
take a pretty thick slice of morality if it is only 
sandwiched as delightfully as to-day’s homily 
is likely to be. But I suspect that this nice 
arrangement indicates a conscious weakness in 
the logic of the lesson, and the doctor will effect 
a cunning retreat by diverting attention with 
cold chicken and feminine sweetness.” 
“ That may be true,” was Rudolph’s reply, 
“ but let us at least give him credit for his benev¬ 
olence in making provision against all chances 
of passing a dull day. We shall be taught 
one practical lesson, at any rate—that when 
we are fated to look upon that which is repel- 
lant we can mitigate our disgust by carrying 
with us something that will serve to modify its 
unpleasant surroundings. A cheerful heart and 
good company have brightened many a darker 
landscape than will meet our eyes to-day.—But 
a truce, Charley; the girls will think us boors 
if we spend all our sweetness on ourselves. So 
if you will help Minnie over the bogs, I will see 
that Ella does not fall into the Slough of De¬ 
spond.” 
The day was one of those still and dreamy 
ones when the whole landscape seems slumber- 
