I pleased him with my assent.
"I am rather sorry," he continued, "to tell the truth, that you should begin your social life in Fentown by visiting Mr.Toyner; but of course this afternoon it is merely a public reception, and after a time you will be able to judge for yourself.

I do not hesitate to say that I consider his influence, especially with the young people, of a most dangerous kind.

For a long time, you know, he and his wife were quite ostracised--not so much because of their low origin as because of their religious opinions.

But of late years even good Christians appear disposed to be friendly with them.

Money, you know--money carries all things before it." "Yes, that is too often the case." "Well, I don't say that Toyner doesn't hold up a certain standard of morality among the young men of the place, but it's a pretty low one; and he has them all under his influence.