He picked up a few papers that were lying on the table and after glancing at them threw them down in disgust.
"Law reports—Wall Street reports—the god of this world. Evidently very ordinary people, Jane."
He looked at his sister, but she sat stiffly and primly in her chair and made no reply. He repeated:
"Didn't you hear me? I said they are ordinary people."
"I've no doubt," retorted Miss Deetle, "and as such they will not thank us for prying into their affairs."
"Prying, did you say?" said the parson, resenting this implied criticism of his actions.
"Just plain prying," persisted his sister angrily. "I don't see what else it is."
The Rev. Pontifex straightened up and threw out his chest as he replied:
"It is protecting my flock. As Leader of the Unified All Souls Baptismal Presbytery, it is my duty to visit the widows and orphans of this community."
"These people are neither widows or orphans," objected Miss Deetle.