Come — eat some jelly, or some pie, or something."
"But, tell me then, Preston!" Daisy persisted.
"It is something ridiculous, — and you would not wish to be
ridiculous."
"I do not think I have ever seen ridiculous religious people,"
said Daisy, steadily; "and they couldn't be ridiculous _because_
they were religious."
"Couldn't they?" said Preston. "Look out well, Daisy — I shall
watch you. But they won't like it much down at Melbourne
House, Daisy. If I were you, I would stop before you begin."
Daisy was silent. One thing was clear, she and Preston were at
issue; and the value she set upon his favour was very high.
She would not risk it by contending. Another thing was as
clear, that Preston's last words were truth. Among her
opposers, Daisy must reckon her father and mother, if she laid
herself open at all to the charge of being "religious." And
what opposition that would be, Daisy did not let herself
think. She shrunk from it. The lunch was finished, and she set
her attention to pack the remainder of the things back into
the basket. Suddenly she stopped.
"Preston, I wish you to consider my words confidential."
"Perfectly!" said Preston.
"You are honourable," — said Daisy.
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