But I tripped to church like a bird . The first person I saw there was Mr. Shelmardine . He was sitting right across from me and a smile glimmered in his eyes . I did not look at him again . Through the service I was subdued enough to have satisfied even Aunt Martha . When church came out , he waited for me at the entrance to his pew . I pretended not to see him until he said `` Good morning , '' in a voice vibrating and deep , which sounded as though it might become infinitely tender if its owner chose . When we went down the steps he took my hymnal , and we walked up the long , bowery country road . `` Thank you so much for coming today , '' he said -- as if I went to oblige him . `` I had a hard time to get Aunt Martha 's consent , '' I declared frankly . `` I would n't have succeeded if Mrs. Saxby had n't taken my part . '' `` Heaven bless Mrs. Saxby , '' he remarked fervently . `` But is there any known way of overcoming your aunt 's scruples ? If so , I am ready to risk it . '' `` There is none . Aunt Martha is very good and kind to me , but she will never stop trying to bring me up . The process will be going on when I am fifty . And she hates men ! I do n't know what she would do if she saw me now . '' Mr. Shelmardine frowned and switched the unoffending daisies viciously with his cane .
`` Then there is no hope XXXXX my seeing you openly and above-board ? ''
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