Page:Rilla of Ingleside (1921).djvu/252

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238
RILLA OF INGLESIDE

little Whiskers-on-the-moon as a huge mastiff might shake an overgrown puppy. And he knew that the same picture was in everybody’s mind. Altogether the union prayer-meeting could hardly be called an unqualified success. But it was remembered in Glen St. Mary when scores of orthodox and undisturbed assemblies were totally forgotten.

“You will never, no, never, Mrs. Dr. dear, hear me call Norman Douglas a pagan again,” said Susan when she reached home. “If Ellen Douglas is not a proud woman this night she should be.”

“Norman Douglas did a wholly indefensible thing,” said the doctor. “Pryor should have been let severely alone until the meeting was over. Then later on, his own minister and session should deal with him. That would have been the proper procedure. Norman’s performance was utterly improper and scandalous and outrageous; but, by George,”—the doctor threw back his head and chuckled, “by George, Anne-girl, it was satisfying.”

CHAPTER XXI
“Love Affairs Are Horrible”
Ingleside,
“June 20th, 1916.

“We have been so busy, and day after day has brought such exciting news, good and bad, that I haven't had time and composure to write in my diary