" Douglas pieced out Strong's phrase for himself.
"That threat doesn't frighten me at all, deacon. After what you
have said, I should refuse to remain in this church"-- the deacon
stepped forward eagerly--"were it not that I realise more than
ever before how much you need me, how much you ignorant, narrow-
minded creatures need to be taught the meaning of true
Christianity." The deacon was plainly disappointed.
"Is it possible?" gasped Elverson, weakly.
"Well, what are you going to do about it?" asked Strong, when he
could trust himself to speak again.
"I shall do what is best for Miss Polly," said the pastor quietly
but firmly.
He turned away to show that the interview was at an end. Strong
followed him. Douglas pointed to the gate with a meaning not to
be mistaken. "Good afternoon, deacon."
Strong hesitated. He looked at the pastor, then at the gate,
then at the pastor again. "I'll go," he shouted; "but it ain't
the end!" He slammed the gate behind him.
"Quite so, quite so," chirped Elverson, not having the slightest
idea of what he was saying. He saw the frigid expression on the
pastor's face, he coughed behind his hat, and followed Strong.
Chapter X
Douglas dropped wearily onto the rustic bench. He sat with
drooped head and unseeing eyes.
Pages:
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105