"But why should you refuse. To annoy her?"
"No, to protect her."
"She would be awfully angry if she thought you presumed to pose as her protector. But let us change the subject. The whole town is talking about it, so let us talk of something else. Are you going to church tonight?"
"Yes, with you, if you don't object."
"Oh, I couldn't object, but—but don't you think it might cause remark, after what has happened?"
"There you go, leading back to it. Sawyer walked home with her; did that cause remark?"
"Yes, in a way; and I believe she will wait for the divorce before she goes with him again."
"Then she will be free of his company for some time to come. Well," he added, "I won't go to church. I'll go up stairs and read myself to sleep."