"I never liked that sort of thing, Ralph. I shouldn't believe with your
people."
"Ellen's people, please. _I_ don't believe with them either. But I
always vote right. Now you think it over."
"No, I shall not think it over. I don't approve of it. If I should take
a pew in your church it would be simply to hear Mr. Peck preach, and
contribute toward his--"
"Salary? Yes, that's the way to look at it in the beginning. I knew you'd
work round. Why, Annie, in a year's time you'll be trying to _buy_
votes for Brother Peck."
"I should _never_ vote," she retorted. "And I shall keep myself out of
all temptation by not going to your church."
"Ellen's church," Putney corrected.
She went the next Sunday to hear Mr. Peck preach, and Putney, who seemed to
see her the moment she entered the church, rose, as the sexton was showing
her up the aisle, and opened the door of his pew for her with ironical
welcome.
"You can always have a seat with us, Annie," he mocked, on their way out of
the church together.
"Thank you, Ralph," she answered boldly. "I'm going to speak to the sexton
for a pew."