And then our chief put the three questions, which he is bound to address to all new arrivals when they join us: 'Do you come here of your own free will?
Do you bring with you a written recommendation from one of our brethren, which satisfies us that we do no wrong to ourselves or to others in receiving you?
Do you understand that you are not bound to us by vows, and that you are free to leave us again if the life here is not agreeable to you ?' Matters being settled so far, the reading of the Rules, and the Penalties imposed for breaking them, came next.

Some of the Rules you know already; others of smaller importance I needn't trouble you with.

As for the Penalties, if you incur the lighter ones, you are subject to public rebuke, or to isolation for a time from the social life of the Community.

If you incur the heavier ones, you are either sent out into the world again for a given period, to return or not as you please; or you are struck off the list of members, and expelled for good and all.

Suppose these preliminaries agreed to by Miss Mellicent with silent submission, and let us go on to the close of the ceremony--the reading of the Rules which settle the questions of Love and Marriage." "Aha!" said Mr.Hethcote, "we are coming to the difficulties of the Community at last!" "Are we also coming to Miss Mellicent, sir ?" Rufus inquired.