Dolores by Ivy Compton-Burnett

creatures,” said Dr Cassell; just glancing at Mr Blackwood to make this rather bitterly-voiced observation; and then turning to Mr Billing, as though unable to refrain longer from putting his case for himself. “I regard it as impossible—I think I may say
know
it is impossible, from scriptural sources—to materially benefit the world—in its spiritual aspect—or to arrest its ultimate downfall; beyond endeavouring to—increase the number of the elect by evangelistic work. I think the true Christian should stand apart from the world.”
    â€œRuskin’s view—with religion in the place of letters and the arts,” said Mr Hutton, in a very low and somewhat caustic tone.
    â€œWell,” said Mrs Merton-Vane, with amingling of sadness and bitterness, “I am a Conservative myself, and so is my hus-band. Our fam-i-lies have been Conservative from the earliest times. Of course, we both come of such very old fam-i-lies. Lord Loftus was saying to me only yesterday, ‘My dear Mrs Merton-Vane, if every one held the opinions of
your husband,
the world would be a different place.’ That is what he said, Mr Hut-ton.”
    â€œBut—er—how do you suggest, Dr Cassell,” said Mr Billing, “that the necessary work in other matters, the work needful for the welfare of the nation, should be carried on, if no—er—righteous person must take part in it? Should we not all do our duty in the political system of our country, that the existing scheme may answer as well as possible? What of the practical results if everybody stood aside?”
    Dr Cassell leaned forward, looking somewhat ruffled. He had so long interpreted a conversation as a didactic utterance by himself, that argument on equal terms struck him as deliberate baiting. “I base,” he said, in a tone at once huffy and impressive, “all my actions and all—my opinions—as far as in me lies—upon scriptural grounds. The Bible—and nothing but the Bible—is my authority for them. I am answerable to no man for them.”
    Poor Mr Billing fidgeted, and looked as if he would like to apologise, if he could call to mind adefinite ground for apology; and was much relieved by an appeal from his hostess.
    â€œMr Billing, I really cannot agree with Dr Cassell in his view that Christians should stand apart from the world. It seems to me that they ought to mingle in the world, and do their best to lift it to a higher plane, and hasten the day when the gospel shall be known amongst all nations. You know all really great men have felt in that way. Socrates and Dr Johnson, and so many people like that, found their greatest pleasure in mingling with men. You know, Socrates would have saved his life if he had consented to go away from Athens—the city he loved. I think that standing apart from the world is the very last thing for a Christian.”
    Mr Billing looked his appreciation and uncertainty how to express it; and Dr Cassell, after a moment’s pause, leaned forward with a clearing brow.
    â€œDo you know the reply—Mrs Blackwood—that Dr Johnson made, on being asked to take a walk in the country?”
    â€œNo, doctor, no; let us hear it,” said Mr Blackwood in an easy tone.
    â€œHis reply was,” said Dr Cassell, “‘Sir, when you have seen one green field, you have seen all green fields. Sir, I like to look upon men. Let us walk down Cheapside.’”
    â€œHow very interesting,” said Mr Blackwood, “and how like Dr Johnson! I think he would have been such an interesting man to know, do not you, Mr Billing? Boswell’s ‘Life of Johnson’ is such an illuminating biography—the best biography I have read, I think; and I have always been so fond of biography as a form of literature. Do you not admire it, Mr Billing?”
    Mr Billing’s honesty was spared by the announcement that the vicarage trap was at the