"
"It is so ruled, however," said Hycy, "and philosophy is against you."
"I am willing it should, Mr. Burke, provided we have truth with us."
"Very good, indeed, Miss Clinton--that was well said; but, seriously,
have you ever thought of marriage?"
"Doesn't philosophy say that we seldom think of anything else?" she
replied, smiling. Ask philosophy, then."
"But this really is a subject in which I feel a particular interest--a
personal interest; but, as for philosophy, I despise it--that is as it
is usually understood. The only philosophy of life is love, and that is
my doctrine."
"Is that your only doctrine?"
"Pretty nearly; but it is much the same as that which appears in the
world under the different disguises of religion."
"I trust you do not mean to assert that love and religion are the same
thing, Mr. Burke?"
"I do; the terms are purely convertible. Love is the universal religion
of man, and he is most religious who feels it most; that is your only
genuine piety. For instance, I am myself in a most exalted state of that
same piety this moment, and have been so for a considerable time past."
Miss Clinton felt a good deal embarrassed by the easy profligacy that
was expressed in these sentiments, and she made an effort to change the
subject.
"Are you taking part in the canvass which is going on in the country,
Mr.
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