In the _Examiner_ for, I think, the year 1835, will be found the case of a young girl ill-treated by her father, whose answers to the interrogatories of the magistrate are very similar to those of Alice to the questions of Maltravers.
Maltravers drew back, shocked and appalled.

Premature philosopher as he was, this depth of ignorance perplexed his wisdom.

He had read all the disputes of schoolmen, whether or not the notion of a Supreme Being is innate; but he had never before been brought face to face with a living creature who was unconscious of a God.
After a pause, he said: "My poor girl, we misunderstand each other.

You know that there is a God ?" "No, sir." "Did no one ever tell you who made the stars you now survey--the earth on which you tread ?" "No." "And have you never thought about it yourself ?" "Why should I?
What has that to do with being cold and hungry ?" Maltravers looked incredulous.

"You see that great building, with the spire rising in the starlight ?" "Yes, sir, sure." "What is it called ?" "Why, a church." "Did you never go into it ?" "No." "What do people do there ?" "Father says one man talks nonsense, and the other folk listen to him." "Your father is--no matter.