Now Ellen revealed the heart of the trouble.
"Grandfather preached at Matthew and me!"
"Oh, he did!"
"Yes, and Matthew made a speech about believing in everything. He's going to be immersed, Father, and he will be at the Foot-washing. They wanted me to, but I ran away. I couldn't stand it."
"Why couldn't you stand it?"
Ellen laid her hands across her plump body.
"It makes me feel all tight here. And I couldn't bear to take off my shoes and stockings."
"No," answered Levis. "I should think you couldn't! Can you remember just what was said to you and Matthew?"
"Grandfather said we ought to come to the meeting and get into the cleansing flood. It was very dark and uncomfortable."
"And what did Matthew say?"