The Apostle beamed on them all. "They's always room for workers in the Lord's vineyard," he said solemnly.
Philip could think of no reasonable objection to offer. He murmured something vague to Kate about the necessity of a chaperon.
She stared at him in frank amazement. "A chaperon for Jacqueline—with you? What an idea! You and Mr. Channing will take the best possible care of my little girl. Of course she shall go! I wish I could go myself."
"Why can't you?" he asked eagerly.
She shook her head. "At State Fair time? Impossible, with my head men away. It would demoralize the farm."
Jacqueline caught Philip's eye and winked, wickedly. "You'll just have to be that chaperon yourself, Reverend Flip," she murmured.
CHAPTER XXVI
Philip did his best, somewhat hampered by the fact that the girl regarded his enforced chaperonage as a joke, and flirted with Channing quite brazenly and openly under his very eye. Even the Apostle shortly became aware of how matters stood, and remarked to Philip benignly, at an early stage of their journey, "I like to see young folks sweet-heartin'. It's a nateral thing, like the Lord intended."
Philip could not agree with any heartiness; but presently the high spirits of the other two infected him, and he entered into the adventure with a growing zest. The clean September air was like wine, and they chattered and laughed like children starting off on a picnic.