THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER, 
19 
olous amusements to pass away the time. Doc¬ 
tor Dean has been a diligent student, and from 
his rich stores of observation presents charm¬ 
ing pictures of nature and society. Come and 
put yourself once within the influence of that 
delightful circle, and if you do not wish to re¬ 
peat the experience, I will not urge you to 
another trial.” 
I could venture to make the call,” said Da¬ 
vidson, if it could be only a social visit; but I 
hear that the Deans are awfully pious, and you 
know that I hate cant. If Doctor Dean should 
begin to bore me with his preaching, I might do 
something unmannerly, and that I should regret 
for your sake. It would be better for me not to 
go; it will be safer.” 
“ Nonsense, Charley!” said Lewis; I will 
take all the blame for what may happen. Doc¬ 
tor Dean has too much sense to offend his visi¬ 
tors by intruding improper or untimely subjects. 
Besides, he clothes every topic with such at¬ 
tractiveness that one is charmed before he has 
time to shape arguments against his conclu¬ 
sions.” 
Go ahead, then,” was the answer, “ make the 
appointment; and if they will not regard me as 
