"
Mr. Bushel sat on high at his desk, where he gave out the hymns, and
coughed every now and then, and looked straight at the pew where the
Allens and George sat. Mr. Bushel knew well enough that, although he
was just as ardent on the other side, the sermon was not meant for
him, and not one of Mr. Broad's remarks touched him. He thought only
of the Allens, and rejoiced inwardly. George walked home with
Priscilla in silence. At supper-time he suddenly said:
"I think your father might have found something better to do than
preach at me."
Priscilla was shocked. She had never heard a criticism on her father
before.
"Really, George, what are you thinking of to talk in that way about a
sermon, and on a Sunday night too?"
"He did preach at me; and if he has anything to say against me, why
doesn't he come and say it here or at the shop?"
"O George, this is dreadful! Besides, mamma DID come and talk to
me."
"What has that got to do with it? Well, what did your mother say?"
"Why, she told me all about thus meeting, and how you fought a man
and nearly killed him, and you a member at Tanner's Lane, and how you
oughtn't to have been there at all, and what Mr.
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