"Naturally!" he interrupted gaily. "Why not, Emily?"
"Now don't you think she ought to enter life with some religious thought? Ought she not to join the Church, John?"
"Is she getting tired of her Sunday-school?" he asked, suddenly serious.
"Yes, I think she is. She says she's getting too big for it."
"Then why doesn't she teach? That would keep her in touch," he said with practical emphasis.
"That is just what I asked her and she replied, 'Dear me, auntie! If I had some youngsters under my wing, I'd teach them all the things I'd like to believe. Dr. Hansom would soon put me out!'"
John Hastings gave a delighted laugh.
"She could teach the Church all right, Emily!"
His sister crimsoned without answering.
"There, Emily! I know you love the Church and it's right and womanly you should. I didn't mean to hurt you. Yes, let Venna join. Of course she should. It will give her something to think of besides the frivolities. Every woman should have a ballast in her life. I'll tell her I certainly wish her to join the Church, Emily!"