Chapter 40

           AtbreakfastBrazilwasthetopic,andallendeavouredtotakeahopefulviewofClare’sproposedexperimentwiththatcountry’ssoil,notwithstandingthediscouragingreportsofsomefarm-labourerswhohademigratedthitherandreturnedhomewithinthetwelvemonths.AfterbreakfastClarewentintothelittletowntowindupsuchtriflingmattersashewasconcernedwiththere,andtogetfromthelocalbankallthemoneyhepossessed.OnhiswaybackheencounteredMissMercyChantbythechurch,fromwhosewallssheseemedtobeasortofemanation.ShewascarryinganarmfulofBiblesforherclass,andsuchwasherviewoflifethateventswhichproducedheartacheinotherswroughtbeatificsmilesuponher—anenviableresult,although,intheopinionofAngel,itwasobtainedbyacuriouslyunnaturalsacrificeofhumanitytomysticism.

           ShehadlearntthathewasabouttoleaveEngland,andobservedwhatanexcellentandpromisingschemeitseemedtobe.

           “Yes;itisalikelyschemeenoughinacommercialsense,nodoubt,”hereplied.“But,mydearMercy,itsnapsthecontinuityofexistence.Perhapsacloisterwouldbepreferable.”

           “Acloister!O,AngelClare!”

           “Well?”

           “Why,youwickedman,acloisterimpliesamonk,andamonkRomanCatholicism.”

           “AndRomanCatholicismsin,andsindamnation.Thouareinaparlousstate,AngelClare.”

           “IgloryinmyProtestantism!”shesaidseverely.