"Slanders our family!" Patty returned, her eyes blazing. "Who said he slandered the family? If he isn't disgraced by my company, I'm sure I am not by his. I shouldn't be ashamed to sweep the streets for him to walk on!"
"You'd demean yourself, I dare say, when you might have the streets swept for you."
"I"—began her daughter.
"Daughter Patience," interposed her grandmother, laying her hand upon the girl's arm, "thee had best not say it."
By a strong effort Patty repressed the retort which had sprung to her lips.
"What does it mean, grandmother?" she asked, when a moment's silence had given her more composure. "Tom Putnam says he can find no proof of your marriage."
"I told thy father to tell him to go to the town-records."
"He says he has, and it is not there."
"Then, the man that married us neglected his duty," the old lady said with gentle severity. "He was a Methodist preacher at Quinnebasset; for we had only one preacher here, and he was away; and that, as thee knows, was before I received light to become a Friend."
"But didn't you have a certificate?" asked Mrs. Sanford.