A long shudder of disgust went over Reuben's flesh. He was utterly shocked by what he saw. That such things could go on in his house struck him with horror, tinctured by shame. He went out, shutting the door noisily behind him—the softer feelings had gone; instead he felt bitterly and furiously humiliated.
The hymn faltered and stopped when the door banged, but the next moment the minister caught it up again, and hurled it after Reuben's indignant retreat:
"My soul is all washed to whiteness,
And I'll never be foul again.
Salvation! Salvation full and free!"
§ 14.
Early in May, Pete came out to Reuben on Boarzell and told him that Albert was dead. Reuben felt a little awkward and a little relieved.
"He died quiet, I hope?"
"Oh, yes," said Pete, "he laid hold on the merits of Jesus."
Reuben started.