“Why didn't I?” snapped her husband. “Because she was so blamed anxious for me to tell her. Them Sawyers are 'ristocrats. They look down on us common people.” Mrs. Strout remonstrated. “I thought he was real nice, and she's a lovely girl. Besides, he set you up in business and made you postmaster.” “And what did he do it for? Just to show the power of money. What did he want of a grocery store except to beat me out of it?” “But you owned up in your speech at the Town Hall that you'd treated him mean, and that you were his friend.” “That was official. Do you suppose he means all he says? No! No more than I do. When I get enough money, there won't be but one partner in that grocery store, and his name will be O. Strout.” CHAPTER VIII UNCLE IKE AND OTHERS At the breakfast table next morning, Maude sat with her head bent over her plate. All were awaiting Olive's advent with the fruit. “At your devotions, Maude?” asked Alice. “Yes, I am thanking the Lord that my life was saved by a woman. _She_ can't ask me to marry her.” A trio of “good mornings” greeted the Rev. Mr. Gay as he entered and took his accustomed place at the head of the table. He bowed his head and asked a blessing. “Why do you ask a blessing, Mr. Gay?” Mr. Gay looked up, but there was no levity in Maude's eyes. “It is our duty to thank the Almighty for his goodness in providing for our physical ends.” “But,” said Maude, “with the exception of the fruit all our food is prepared by man. We couldn't eat it just as it grows.” “God has given us the necessary intelligence to properly utilize his blessings.” “But some people starve to death,” said Maude, forsaking the main argument. “Unfortunately, yes, owing to man's lack of brotherly feeling, or rather, a hap-hazard method of distributing his blessings. It is not God's will that any of his creatures should lack food or raiment.” “Do you really believe, Mr. Gay, that God takes a personal interest in us? That he sent Mrs. Howe yesterday to save my life?” “I certainly do, Miss Sawyer.” “I can't understand it,” said Maude. “I looked upon it simply as a lucky coincidence. But supposing the horse had turned to the left, and stopped of his own accord when he reached that steep hill. What would that prove?” Quincy and Alice who had listened to the discussion, looked at the clergyman, who hesitated before answering. At last, a smile lighted up his face and he replied: “It would prove that, in that particular case, you did not need the intervention of Heavenly power.” “I'm not convinced yet,” said Maude. “I am coming to hear you preach to-morrow. Do make it plain to me, please.” “With God's help, I will try to,” the clergyman answered.