"I never pretended to be a saint, Rachel. No man is, that I know of--not even our precious pastor, in spite of what they say. He was in love with Bithiah himself."
"I know that," retorted Miss Carwell, unexpectedly. "I have seen him looking at her in chapel. Do you think I have no eyes in my head? Of course Mr. Johnson loved her, and a very lucky girl she was to gain the affection of such a man. But that her heart was set on worldly things, she would have remained here and married our pastor, instead of running away with that wicked cousin of mine. But these debts, Herbert--who told you about them?"
"I heard of them from several people. But the main source is through Mr. Johnson's servant, who found one or two of the letters asking for payment, and read them."
"Oh, Herbert!--poor Mr. Johnson will be called to account by the elders for this. They think it is a dire sin to owe money."
"No doubt; and he will probably be asked to resign the pastorate of our Bethgamul. But----"
"Now don't you say a word against him," interrupted Rachel, with crimson cheeks, "or I shall go away."
"Rachel, you are not in love with him, I hope?"
"No, Mr. Mayne, I am not. How dare you say such a thing to me! I am in love with no one at present."
"Not with anyone?" whispered Mayne, looking directly at her.
"I refuse to answer questions which you have not the right to ask."