`` Well , Mrs. Bell , I only asked because every one thinks it is strange he does n't -- and an elder , of all people . It looks as if he did n't think himself a Christian , you know . Of course , we all know better , but it LOOKS that way . If I was you , I 'd tell him folks was talking about it . Mr. Bentley says it is hindering the full success of the meetings . '' Mrs. Bell turned on her tormentor in swift anger . She might resent her husband 's strange behavior herself , but nobody else should dare to criticize him to her . `` I do n't think you need to worry yourself about the elder , Flora Jane , '' she said bitingly . `` Maybe 't is n't the best Christians that do the most talking about it always . I guess , as far as living up to his profession goes , the elder will compare pretty favorably with Levi Boulter , who gets up and testifies every night , and cheats the very eye-teeth out of people in the daytime . '' Levi Boulter was a middle-aged widower , with a large family , who was supposed to have cast a matrimonial eye Flora Janeward . The use of his name was an effective thrust on Mrs. Bell 's part , and silenced Flora Jane . Too angry for speech she seized her sister 's arm and hurried her into church . But her victory could not remove from Mary Bell 's soul the sting implanted there by Flora Jane 's words . When her husband came up to the platform she put her hand on his snowy arm appealingly . `` Oh , David , wo n't you get up to-night ? I do feel so dreadful bad -- folks are talking so -- I just feel humiliated . '' David Bell hung his head like a shamed schoolboy . `` I ca n't , Mary , '' he said huskily . '' ` Tai n't no use to pester me . ''
`` You do n't care XXXXX my feelings , '' said his wife bitterly .
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