But what an odd place for him to choose for this interchange of early Christian courtesies! Also--if you are not mistaken--how well it illustrates that line in the hymn this morning: "'How many a spot defiles the robe that wraps an earthly saint.' Such adventures seem scarcely in Morris's line, and I should have thought that even an inexperienced saint would have been more discreet." "Men always jest at serious things," said Eliza severely.
"Which do you mean--the saints or the kissing?
Both are serious enough, but the two in combination----" "Don't you believe me ?" asked Eliza.
"Of course.

But could you give me a few details ?" Eliza could and did--with amplifications.
"Now, what do you say, Colonel Monk ?" she asked triumphantly.
"I say that I think you have made an awkward mistake, Miss Layard.

It seems to me that all you saw is quite consistent with the theory that he was buttoning or arranging the young lady's hood.

I understand that the wind was very high that night." Eliza started; this was a new and unpleasant interpretation which she hastened to repudiate.

"Arranging her hood, indeed----" "When he might have been kissing her?
You cannot understand such moderation.