'Naturally.'
'And young people should be guided by old people?'
'It would be better if that were more generally done.'
'That is all I wanted to know.'
Before many days were over, Jessie made her meaning apparent. She always accompanied my mother and me to church, and on the Sunday following this conversation she unmasked her battery.
'Uncle Bryan,' she said, while we were at breakfast, 'I want you to come to church with us this morning.'
A startled look flashed into my mother's eyes; uncle Bryan stared at Jessie, and bit his lips. He did not reply immediately.
'Young ladies have many wants,' he said.
'But this is a good want,' she pleaded. There was nothing saucy or defiant in her tone or manner; both were very gentle. 'But this is a good want. You will come with us?'
'I will not come with you,' he replied sternly.