"The case is unusual," commented her mother again. "The man has a reputation for such actions—rather, he has been known to persecute, and does persecute the preachers that are under his dictation in the church. But that such would extend to the possible happiness of his own children! Indeed, it hardly seems credible."
"Vanity, mama. Reverend McCarthy is regarded as the most vain man in the church. Jean here has never flattered him—tickled his vanity, and this is the price he's paying."
"Well," said her mother. "Such as this can't keep up. Some day he's going to be called on to pay—and the debt will be large."
"Understand that he aspires for the bishopric in the convention next month," said Mildred.
"Shucks!" exclaimed her mother. "That's all bluff. He seeks to grab off a little cheap notoriety around Chicago before he goes to conference. There is as much chance of his being even entered as a candidate for the office as there is of me."
"That's what I think," from Mildred.
"What are your plans, Jean?" her mother now inquired of Baptiste who sat in a sort of stupor listening to their talk.
"I am trying to get to see her without the old man's knowledge." And he told them of his conversation with Mrs. Pruitt.
"Isn't that a wife, now!" exclaimed Mildred. "Afraid to meet the man she has married."
"Orlean and old lady McCarthy have no voice in that house," said her mother. "First it's the Reverend, and then follows Ethel."