"No; I know no more about it than you."
How swiftly and silently Rose Stillwater had left the pew and slipped out of the church while all the congregation were bowed in prayer!
Old Aaron Rockharrt looked puzzled and troubled, but the minister was pronouncing the general absolution that followed the general confession, and such a severe martinet and disciplinarian as old Aaron Rockharrt would on no account fail in attention to the speaker.
Nor did he change countenance again during the long morning service.
At its close he drew Cora's arm within his own and led her out of the church.
As they walked down Broadway he inquired:
"Why did Mrs. Stillwater leave the church?"
"I do not know," answered his granddaughter.
"Was she ill?"
"I really do not know."