There was a pause. “I see perfectly,” said Samuel, in a low voice. “There's only one thing I can't understand.”
“What is that?”
“Why you should belong to the church, sir? What has this money scramble to do with the teaching of Jesus?”
And then Samuel saw that he had overstepped the mark. “Really, young man,” said Mr. Wygant, “I cannot see what is to be gained by pursuing this conversation.”
“But, sir, you are degrading the church!”
“The subject must be dropped!” said Mr. Wygant sternly. “You are presuming upon my good nature. You are forgetting your place.”
“I have been reminded of my place before,” said Samuel, in a suppressed voice. “But I do not know what my place is.”
“That is quite evident,” responded the other. “It is your place to do your work, and be respectful to your superiors, and keep your opinions to yourself.”
“I see that you will get angry with me,” said the boy, “I can't make you understand—I am only trying to find the truth. I want to do what's right, Mr. Wygant!”
“I suppose you do,” began the other—