"How can one be pagan if one believes that there is good in everything,--and that nothing happens except for the best ?" "It sounds to me more Christian than pagan," averred Lorimer, with a smile.

"But it's no use appealing to _me_ on such matters, Miss Gueldmar.
I am an advocate of the Law of Nothing.

I remember a worthy philosopher who,--when he was in his cups,--earnestly assured me it was all right--'everything was nothing, and nothing was everything.' 'You are sure that is so ?' I would say to him.

'My dear young friend--_hic_--I am positive! I have--_hic_--worked out the problem with--_hic_--care!' And he would shake me by the hand warmly, with a mild and moist smile, and would retire to bed walking sideways in the most amiable manner.

I'm certain his ideas were correct as well as luminous." They laughed, and then looking up saw that they were passing a portion of the coast of Seiland which was more than usually picturesque.