`` I do n't see what business the men have to interfere with us anyhow , '' said her daughter Lucy , who was sitting on one of the window-sills . `` We do n't meddle with them , I 'm sure . As if Mrs. Cotterell would contaminate the pulpit ! '' `` One would think we were still in the dark ages , '' said Frances Spenslow sharply . Frances was the Putney schoolteacher . Her father was one of the recalcitrant elders and Frances felt it bitterly -- all the more that she had tried to argue with him and had been sat upon as a `` child who could n't understand . '' `` I 'm more surprised at Mr. Sinclair than at the elders , '' said Mrs. Abner Keech , fanning herself vigorously . `` Elders are subject to queer spells periodically . They think they assert their authority that way . But Mr. Sinclair has always seemed so liberal and broad-minded . '' `` You never can tell what crotchet an old bachelor will take into his head , '' said Alethea Craig bitingly . The others nodded agreement . Mr. Sinclair 's inveterate celibacy was a standing grievance with the Putney women . `` If he had a wife who could be our president this would never have happened , I warrant you , '' said Mrs. King sagely . `` But what are we going to do , ladies ? '' said Mrs. Robbins briskly . Mrs. Robbins was the president . She was a big , bustling woman with clear blue eyes and crisp , incisive ways . Hitherto she had held her peace . `` They must talk themselves out before they can get down to business , '' she had reflected sagely .
But she thought the time had now come XXXXX speak .
Craig If Robbins before in into of that to with