"To ease their consciences and to serve the Lord with becoming activity, it was the custom of the Puritans, in the olden day, to condemn actors and tie them to the tail of a cart, and whip them through the street."
"I have never read about it, Mr. Belford."
"I suppose not. Church history doesn't dwell upon it."
He turned toward the door, faced about and said: "The woman will bring your dinner. I am going out among my people and shall not be here again until to-morrow."
"You needn't come then, Washington."
"Yes, to pull your chair into the parlor."
"That's so. Thank you."
He stood for a moment in silence, and, without speaking, he stepped back, and, with a grave nod and a slow wink, he softly shut the door.