"But, Martha, it is not six o'clock yet."
"What of that? We have not a moment to lose. There'll be crowds at the church. I am given to understand it will be packed, and as I intend to have a front seat, I'm going now."
Miss Peters began to count on her fingers.
"But Martha, it surely is not necessary."
"Now, Maria, that's enough. You'd argue any one black in the face. I don't often have my way, but I'll have it on this occasion. I am going to call for Mrs. Gorman Stanley; and Mrs. Morris asked me to knock her up, and we'll all of us just be at the church in good time."
"In good time," gasped Miss Maria. "But the doors won't be opened."
"Oh, won't they! You just wait and see. I haven't fought that girl's battles for nothing. We'll be able to get into the church, Maria, don't you fear. I have made friends as well as foes of late, and there are these who can get me into the church, so that I may stand up for Beatrice to the last. Now, have you swallowed your coffee?"
"I have. It has scalded my throat frightfully. I hate drinking hot liquid in such a hurry."
"Maria, you are dreadfully fractious this morning. And, good gracious me! What have you got in your bonnet! Here let me hold up the candle and look."
"Don't—don't drop the grease on my brown silk, Martha."