Page:From the West to the West.djvu/312

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her in the presence of any third person, but since you have come upon the scene, Mrs. Rogers, we may as well settle it here and now."

"What's the trouble? "asked Jean, laughing irreverently.

"The hymns she teaches the children are not solemn enough. They are all about happy days and care-free birds and joyous children, whose chief duty lies in obeying their parents and loving one another. I Ve looked on during the proceedings, carefully and anxiously, for four consecutive Sundays now, and I haven't heard one word about eternal punishment, nor has she exhorted anybody to flee from the wrath to come!"

"Aren't you ashamed of your fit of jealousy in the light of this revelation, Mrs. Rogers?" asked Jean, laughing aloud.

"I know he was once in love with your sister Mary!" was the evasive but crestfallen reply.

"Well, Mr. Rogers," said Jean, closing and locking the door, "we may as well be ending this interview. I founded the Sunday-school, and I will not abdicate till I get ready to leave the country. I never could be made to believe by your preaching or teaching that God wasn't as good as my daddie, or even yourself. I am teaching the children to love and serve a beneficent God, and to love their neighbors as themselves. If that is heresy, make the most of it. Good-night! And, Mrs. Rogers, the next time you feel the unseemly pangs of jealousy, don't make a fool of yourself before folks."