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.
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