And at mail time Bud stationed himself beside the post, with hands thrust into pockets filled with gum-drops. As each citizen approached, he nodded his head sideways.
"See that sign? Some law here alrighty! Pity the feller thet breaks it!"
—
The afternoon after this unpleasant experience, Mr. Soffy called.
"I want to assure you, Mrs. Hadly, Miss Haskell told me nothing of her intentions—I presume because she knows I would have prevented her. I guess they all feel pretty small now, however."
"I was sure you had no knowledge of it," returned Venna, seriously. "But I do think your influence in this matter is needed. Won't you defend these two good men at your morning service next Sunday?"
"I—I—hardly think I could do that" returned Mr. Soffy, coloring to his temples. "You see, Mrs. Hadly, I know they are fine men, but to declare the fact in the little church would cause considerable antagonism and really do no good."
"The declaration of truth always does good finally."
"Well, yes, figuratively speaking, but we ministers have to be practical, too, you know."
"Mr. Soffy, what avails the Church if it countenances error? I thought you were above that 'worldly wisdom' reasoning!" she said, looking up into his face with great disappointment.