In every other way, so
liberal and kind, it was not consistent for him to act so narrow-minded
regarding religion.
Once the grace was said, the host unfolded his napkin and looked to
Sary for the soup. The soup-pot had been taken up the second time and
was about to be placed in the middle of the table where every one could
serve themselves as they wished, but Mrs. Brewster gave her a look and
sign that was incomprehensible. She was confused for once in her life.
"I'll serve the soup this noon, Sary, and you can pass the plates,"
remarked Mrs. Brewster, seeing her maid did not understand.
And now Sary beheld a new order of things! Soup that was dipped into
plates and passed until each member at table had a dish before him.
Large white napkins that were not tied about the neck but spread over
the lap! How funny it seemed that the small red-flowered squares Sary
had been accustomed to when company came were nowhere in evidence.
As the meal progressed, Sary's wonderment increased; she failed to hear
familiar sounds of eating, nor saw the usual form of plying knife and
fork together.
Immediately after dinner, Polly led her mother to John's room. "Maw,
I'm going to use those new shades I bought for your Christmas gift, and
put them at the windows of the girls' room."
"Oh, Polly, don't you think plain white ones will look nicer?" quickly
replied Mrs. Brewster, as she beheld the pea-green Holland decorated
with monster bronze roses and huge butterflies.
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