CHAPTER VIII. — UNCLE IKE AND OTHERS
At the breakfast table next morning, Maude sat with her head bent over her plate. All were awaiting Olive's advent with the fruit.
“At your devotions, Maude?” asked Alice.
“Yes, I am thanking the Lord that my life was saved by a woman. She can't ask me to marry her.”
A trio of “good mornings” greeted the Rev. Mr. Gay as he entered and took his accustomed place at the head of the table. He bowed his head and asked a blessing.
“Why do you ask a blessing, Mr. Gay?”
Mr. Gay looked up, but there was no levity in Maude's eyes.
“It is our duty to thank the Almighty for his goodness in providing for our physical ends.”
“But,” said Maude, “with the exception of the fruit all our food is prepared by man. We couldn't eat it just as it grows.”
“God has given us the necessary intelligence to properly utilize his blessings.”