Jerome looked at neither of them again. When meeting was over, he strode rapidly down the aisle, lest he encounter them.
“What ailed you in meeting, Jerome?” Elmira asked as they were going home.
“Nothing.”
“You looked so pale once I thought you were going to faint away.”
“I tell you nothing ailed me.”
“You were dreadfully pale,” persisted Elmira. She was so happy that morning that she had more self-assertion than usual. Lawrence Prescott had looked around at her three times; he had smiled at her once, when he turned to leave the pew at the close of meeting. Jerome had not noticed that, and she had not noticed Lawrence's smile at Lucina. She had been too fluttered to look up when Lawrence first entered.
That afternoon Jerome and Elmira set out for meeting again, but when they reached the turn of the road Jerome stopped.
“I guess I won't go this afternoon,” said he.
“Why, what's the matter? Don't you feel well?” Elmira asked.
“Yes, I feel well enough, but it's warm. I guess I won't go.” Elmira stared at him wonderingly. “Run along; you'll be late,” said he, trying to smile.