"You are too sharp to be deceived," I said. "Aunt Naomi did send me. They tell me you are trying to destroy the church by freezing them all to death at the prayer-meetings."
"Aunt Naomi can't be frozen. She's too dry."
"That isn't at all a nice thing to say, Deacon Richards," I said, smiling. "You can't cover your iniquities by abusing her."
He showed his teeth, and settled himself against the door-post more comfortably.
"Why didn't she come herself?" he inquired.
"She said that she was afraid you'd pop her into the hopper. You see what a monster you are considered."
"I wouldn't be willing to spoil my meal."
Deacon Daniel likes to play at badinage, and if he had ever had a chance, might have some skill at it. As it is, I like to see how he enjoys it, if I am not always impressed by the wit of what he says.
"Deacon Richards," I said, "why do you freeze the people so in the vestry?"