"And you're scourged for knowing it. Let that be a lesson to you, woman."
"That's only the beginning. I ban't scourged for that. I'm scourged because I've let it out again."
"I'm shocked at you," he answered. "Yes, I'm very much shocked at you; but I'm not at all surprised. I knew as sure as I knew anything that 'twould out. The Lord chooses His own time and His own tool. But that don't make your sin smaller. You're a wicked woman."
"I've signed the pledge, however, and not another drop——"
"How many of 'em did you tell?"
"But one. Of course, I chose the man with the longest tongue. Jack Head saw me up the hill after closing time and—there 'twas—I had to squeak. But I made him swear as solemn as he knowed how that he wouldn't."
"He's not what he was. We had a proper row a month ago. I doubt if he'll ever speak to me again. And until he makes a humble apology for what he spoke, I won't hear him."
"He swore he wouldn't tell."
"Be that as it may, it will be known. It's started and it won't stop."
They talked for two hours upon the problems involved in these facts. Then there came a knock at the door and Susan went to answer it.