SKINNER FISHES WITH A DIPLOMATIC HOOK
The first step in the scheme which Skinner had evolved for the reclamation of Willard Jackson, of St. Paul, Minnesota, was to be taken Sunday morning, after services, at the First Presbyterian Church of Meadeville, New Jersey.
Skinner had not told Honey he was going to take her on his trip West. He would do that after church, if a certain important detail of his plan did not miscarry. Although he paid respectful attention to the sermon, Skinner's thoughts were at work on something not religious, and he was relieved when the doxology was finished and the blessing asked. Unlike most of the others present, Skinner was in no hurry to leave. Instead, he loitered in the aisle until Mrs. Stephen Colby overtook him on her way down from one of the front pews.
"Why, Mr. Skinner, this is a surprise," exclaimed the social arbiter. Then slyly, "There's some hope for you yet."
"I thought I'd come in and make my peace before embarking on a railroad journey," Skinner observed.
"Going away? Not for long, I hope."
"St. Paul. I'm not carrying a message from the Ephesians—just a business trip."
"St. Paul's very interesting."
"I'm glad to hear it."
"You've never been there?"