But Gypsy made an unexpected dart into the barn-door, through the barn, and out into the yard, before Missy realized the capricious creature's intent. And, as luck would have it, the Reverend MacGill was sitting on the porch, calling on Grandma Shears. If only it had been anybody but Rev. MacGill! Missy cherished a secret but profound admiration for Rev. MacGill; he had come recently to Cherryvale and was younger than ministers usually are and, though not exactly handsome, had fascinating dark glowing eyes. Now, as his eyes turned toward her, she suddenly prickled with embarrassment—her legs were showing to her knees! She tried vainly to pull down her skirt, then tried to head Gypsy toward the barn. But Grandma Shears, in scandalized tones, called out:
“Why, Melissa Merriam! Get down off that horse immediately!”
Shamefacedly Missy obeyed, but none too gracefully since her legs were not yet accustomed to that straddling position.
“What in the world will you girls be up to next?” Grandma Shears went on, looking like an outraged Queen Victoria. “I don't know what this generation's coming to,” she lamented, turning to the minister. “Young girls try to act like hoodlums—deliberately TRY! In my day girls were trained to be—and desired to be—little ladies.”
Little ladies!—in the minister's presence, the phrase didn't fall pleasantly on Missy's ear.
“Oh, they don't mean any harm,” he replied. “Just a little innocent frolic.”
There was a ghost of a twinkle in his eyes. Missy didn't know whether to be grateful for his tolerance or only more chagrined because he was laughing at her. She stood, feeling red as a beet, while Grandma Shears retorted:
“Innocent frolic—nonsense! I'll speak to my daughter!” Then, to Missy: “Now take that pony back to the lot, please, and let's see no more such disgraceful exhibitions!”
Missy felt as though she'd been whipped. She felt cold all over and shivered, as she led Gypsy back, though she knew she was blushing furiously. Concealed behind the barn door, peeping through a crack, was Tess.
“It was awful!” moaned Missy. “I can never face Rev. MacGill again!”