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“How have you enjoyed the show?”

“Show!” exclaimed Ernest, bestowing upon her a solemn look of inquiry.

“Yes,” said Clara, not seeming to notice his serious air. “It is as good as any show. Wasn’t it funny to have them all praying for you?”

“I do not see where there was any fun,” said Ernest with an expression of disappointment upon his face, “and I am truly sorry to hear you talk so lightly about such solemn things. They are too sacred to admit of sport.”

“So, they have got you, too, have they?” asked Clara, breaking into a merry laugh. “Well, I confess I am astonished.”

“Why should you be? I cannot see that it is a matter of such profound amazement for a man to join the church.”

“Have you really joined the church?”

“I have, or at least gave notice this morning that I would do so, and I earnestly wish, my dear Clara, that you would make up your mind to the same thing. That is needed to complete our happiness.”

She made no reply, but laughed in a tone which it would have required no expert physiognomist to pronounce one of derision.