For the rest, Miss Claghorn permitted no slurs to be cast upon her companion, except such as she herself chose to project. "Tabitha Cone and I sat on the same bench at school; together we found the Lord. I knew of no difference between us in those days; I know of none now, except that I had a rich brother."
"I am sure, Miss Claghorn, I quite agree with your view," observed Paula, to whom the words were addressed.
"Which I hope is a satisfaction to you," replied the lady, her manner indicating complete indifference as to the fact. "If that is so, why do you object to my consulting Tabitha Cone about this letter?" looking over her spectacles at the pretty face.
"I hoped that my plan would meet your views, and then such consultation would perhaps be unnecessary, and—and——"
"And?" echoed Miss Achsah in an uncompromising tone, and regarding her visitor still more sharply.
"You know, Miss Claghorn, you sent for me, and were kind enough to say you desired my advice——"
"Information, not advice."
"Don't you think Tabitha Cone will derive a wrong impression if she reads that letter?" continued the persistent Paula, "Is that quite fair?"
"Tabitha Cone understands English—even Ellis Winter's—he says plainly enough that the girl is an atheist——"
"Not that, Miss——"