“You mean to say that Lulu has been pretending—”
“Naw, Lulu ain’t said nothing. God, I wonder if I ought to let the girl marry a fellow like you? But I got to protect her good name, and guess Floyd and me can see to it you give her a square deal after the marriage. Now I’ve sent out word to invite all the neighbors to the house tonight for a little sociable to tell ’em Lulu and you are engaged, and you’re going to put on your Sunday-go-to-meeting suit and come with us, right now.”
“You can’t bully me into anything—”
“Take that side of him, Floyd, but I get the first lick. You get what’s left.”
They ranged up beside him. They were shorter, less broad, but their faces were like tanned hard leather, their eyes were hard—
“You’re a big cuss, Brother Gantry, but guess you don’t get enough exercise no more. Pretty soft,” considered Deacon Bains.
His fist was dropping down, down to his knee; his shoulder sloped down; his fist was coming up—and Floyd had suddenly pinioned Elmer’s arms.
“I’ll do it! All right! All right!” Elmer shrieked.
He’d find a way to break the engagement. Already he was recovering his poise.
“Now you fellows listen to me! I’m in love with Lulu, and I intended to ask her the moment I finish here—less than three months now—and get my first church. And then you two butt in and try to spoil this romance!”