"I need no longer envy the swallows who build their nests in the eaves of the Lord's house. How my soul will rejoice to meet once more with His people! 'Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.'"
For a moment he seemed to forget our presence. Mrs. Blake, always practical, brought us all down to earth again by suggesting that we get the suit made as soon as possible.
"If the tailor will cut it for us, a few of us women folk will come in and make it right off, so's he can get to meeting. Dan'el'll be glad to come and take him there every Sunday."
"I could lead grandfather," little Fred stoutly asserted. "I've been past there lots of times."
"Are women as good tailors as men?" I asked, doubtfully.
"I reckon not; but they're enough sight cheaper, especially when they work for nothing. Tailors is awful dear."
"I want the clothes to look nicely. I will pay the tailor."
"We can make the vest and pants well enough if he cuts 'em and makes the coat. S'pose we call and see him on our way home?"
I complied with her request, and found the tailor's establishment a very humble affair on the Mill Road. Mrs. Blake negotiated with him entirely, but he always directed his remarks to me.
"If I hadn't a family of my own to support these hard times, I'd do it for nothing," he assured me, over and over; "but I'll do it for half price. My time, you know, is all the money I have, and one must look out first for their own."