"
"But we must not contemn a man for his poverty, neighbours," said
Liar, gravely composing his hairless face. "Christian's was a
character of beautiful simplicity--beautiful! _How_ many rickety
children did he leave behind him?"
A shrill voice called somewhat I could not quite distinguish, for at
that moment a youth rose abruptly near by, and went hastily out.
Obstinate stared roundly. "Thou hast a piercing voice, friend Liar!"
"I did but seek the truth," said Liar.
"But whether or no, Christian believed in it--verily he seemed to
believe in it. Was it not so, neighbour Obstinate?" enquired Pliable,
stroking his leg.
"Believed in what, my friend?" said Obstinate, in a dull voice.
"About Mount Zion, and the Crowns of Glory, and the Harps of Gold, and
such like," said Pliable uneasily--"at least, it is said so; so 'tis said."
"Believed!" retorted a smooth young man who seemed to feel the heat,
and sat by the staircase door. "That's an easy task--to believe, sir.
Ask any pretty minikin!"
"And I'd make bold to enquire of yonder Liveloose," said a thick,
monotonous voice (a Mr.
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