"What difference would it make?" Mrs. Stout asked, bluntly. This remark was followed by the most embarrassing, painful silence in the history of the club.
When business was resumed, it was voted that a committee of five be appointed to select a play, and plan for its production.
The Reverend and Mrs. Flint had a long talk that night.
"And the unholy suggestion was made and adopted in my home!" thundered the reverend, forgetting that his audience consisted of only one.
Manville was waking up.
Chapter V
The Stouts at Home
The Stouts were common folks—most of us are, for that matter, in one way or another. Excepting Sundays, Mr. Stout ate his meals with the frock on that he wore at the store; he used his knife at table in a manner not prescribed by etiquette; and at all times his English was at variance with the best authority. But in his dealings with men he was as honest as his wife in her speech, and made money despite customers who did not pay their bills. His three sons were healthy urchins, who obeyed and respected their parents—just like other boys.