I urged her to give it up. Being a
clergyman I was bound to do that. But it wasn't the least use. She
said it was her art; and you know, Major, when people start talking
about art, it simply means that they are dead to all sense of morality.
It doesn't in the least matter what the art is. The effect is always
the same. That's the reason I've made up my mind not to allow my
daughter to learn drawing. I won't have her moral sense blunted while
she's young. I don't deny that pictures and books and music are great
things in their way, but a simple sense of right and wrong, of truth
and falsehood, are much more important. I'm sure you agree with me in
that."
"I wish to goodness you had some sense of right and wrong yourself."
"I have," said Meldon, "If I hadn't I should simply enjoy myself during
this holiday, as I'm quite entitled to do. Instead of which I mean to
devote my time to the troublesome task of marrying Simpkins, whom I
don't know at all, to a lady whom I have only seen once. If I hadn't a
remarkably pushing sort of a conscience I wouldn't sacrifice myself in
that way."
"She won't marry Simpkins," said the Major.
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