He spoke so suddenly and so loudly, that Mrs. Hubble started, and dropped the corner of her apron.
“I—I ... well, we’ve all of us heard, Mus’ Sumption....”
“Heard what?”
“I—I.... Doan’t look at me like that, minister, for the Lord’s sake.”
“Speak then. What have you all heard?”
Mrs. Hubble was recovering from her alarm and beginning to resent his manner.
“Well, reckon we’ve heard wot you’ve heard—as your boy’s bin shot fur deserting his regiment; and no one expects you to come and preach in chapel after that.”
A wave of burning crimson went over Mr. Sumption’s face, so that Mrs. Hubble said afterwards she thought as he’d go off in a stroke. Then he was suddenly white again, and speaking quietly, but in a voice that somehow frightened her more than his shouting.
“I shall certainly preach to-night. I will not have the service cancelled. Tell everyone who asks you that I shall certainly preach.”