"You must remember things are slower here," Mattie explained.
She came to light much younger than Stacey thought her. She was not
eighteen, but her supple and splendid figure was fully matured. Her hair
hung down her back in a braid, which gave a distinct touch of
childishness to her.
"Sis, you're still a-growin'," Herman said, as he put his arm around her
waist and looked up at her.
She seemed to realize for the first time that Stacey was a young man,
and her eyes fell.
"Well, now, set up the chairs, child," said Mrs. Allen.
When the young teacher returned from his cold spare room off the parlor
the family sat waiting for him. They all drew up noisily, and Allen
said:
"Ask the blessing, sir?"
Wallace said grace.
As Allen passed the potatoes he continued:
"My son tells me you are a minister of the gospel."
"I have studied for it."
"What denomination?"
"Tut, tut!" warned Herman. "Don't start any theological rabbits
to-night, Dad. With jaw swelled up you won't be able to hold your own."
"I'm a Baptist," Stacey answered.
The old man's face grew grim. It had been ludicrous before with its
swollen jaw. "Baptist!" He turned a stern look upon his son, whose smile
angered him. "Didn't you know no more'n to bring a Baptist preacher into
this house?"
"There, there, father!" began the wife.
"Be quiet. I'm boss of this shanty, and I won't have you bringing--"
Herman struck in: "Don't make a show of yourself, old man. Never mind
the old gent, Stacey; he's mumpy to-day, anyhow."