The question looks abrupt, on paper. It did not sound equally so. Something of earnest wistfulness there was in the old lady's look and manner, a touch of solemnity in her voice, which made the gentleman forgive her on the spot. He sat down beside her.
"Would you bid me not join in singing such words, then?"
"It's not my place to bid or forbid. But you can judge for yourself. Do you set much valley on professions that mean nothing?"
"I made no professions."
"Ain't it professin', when you say what the hymns say?"
"If you will forgive me—I did not say it," responded Philip.
"Ain't singin' sayin'?"
"They are generally looked upon as essentially different. People are never held responsible for the things they sing,—out of church," added Philip, smiling. "Is it otherwise with church singing?"
"What's church singin' good for, then?"
"I thought it was to put the minds of the worshippers in a right state;—to sober and harmonize them."