Mrs. Trask said that her husband said, speaking as a medical man, he would consider it the greatest step towards the downfall of the human race. Every one would become so corrupt and depraved sexually that the race would become weak and puny, with no moral stamina.
After Mrs. Trask had gone, Mrs. Marston got the Roseland Gazette to see what it said about the matter. When she came to the part where it stated that her niece had gone up to the desk and given her hand to the preacher and thanked him for helping her out of sexual bondage, she was completely overcome and just felt like having a fit. She would rather have paid a thousand dollars than to have that appear in the paper. "What a disgrace this is to me, after all I have done for her, ungrateful hussy! She doesn't think about the shame she brings upon me by her bold actions, with that vulgar crank." While she was smarting from the effects of wounded pride, her door-bell rang and soon the servant came in and told Mrs. Marston that Mr. Barker was in the parlor. Mrs. Marston kept him waiting a few minutes, till she had composed herself. Soon she came in, bright, smiling and cordially greeted the rising young attorney who had manifested so much interest in Stella's hosiery.
Mr. Barker was a perfect Chesterfield in dress and manners, and knew exactly what part of Mrs. Marston's nature to touch to make her feel good, and to raise himself one hundred per cent.
in her estimation.
Mr. Barker felt as if he had a little grudge against Stella, ever since the day his wish was not gratified, and now he thought this was his opportunity to pay her back.
In course of conversation Mr. Barker said: "Mrs. Marston, have you been to Orangeville lately?"
"No," said Mrs. Marston, "I have not been there since Stella returned home."
"How is your niece, Mrs. Marston?" said Mr. Barker.
"The last I heard from her she was very well," said Mrs. Marston.
Mr. Barker said: "By the way, Mrs. Marston, is there another Miss Stella Wheelwright in Orangeville besides your niece?"