`` But I think that is better than if she was a Presbyterian , '' interjected Susan . `` If she had been a Presbyterian she would mostly likely have left the church and we can not afford to lose our members . And Mrs. Reese is not liked in her own church , because she gives herself such great airs , so that the Methodists would be rather pleased that Mr. Meredith spoiled her dress . '' `` The point is , he made himself ridiculous , and I , for one , do not like to see my minister made ridiculous in the eyes of the Methodists , '' said Miss Cornelia stiffly . `` If he had had a wife it would not have happened . '' `` I do not see if he had a dozen wives how they could have prevented Mrs. Drew from using up her tough old gander for the wedding-feast , '' said Susan stubbornly . `` They say that was her husband 's doing , '' said Miss Cornelia . `` Jacob Drew is a conceited , stingy , domineering creature . '' `` And they do say he and his wife detest each other -- which does not seem to me the proper way for married folks to get along . But then , of course , I have had no experience along that line , '' said Susan , tossing her head . `` And I am not one to blame everything on the men . Mrs. Drew is mean enough herself . They say that the only thing she was ever known to give away was a crock of butter made out of cream a rat had fell into . She contributed it to a church social . Nobody found out about the rat until afterwards . '' `` Fortunately , all the people the Merediths have offended so far are Methodists , '' said Miss Cornelia . `` That Jerry went to the Methodist prayer-meeting one night about a fortnight ago and sat beside old William Marsh who got up as usual and testified with fearful groans . ` Do you feel any better now ? '' whispered Jerry when William sat down . Poor Jerry meant to be sympathetic , but Mr. Marsh thought he was impertinent and is furious at him .
Of course , Jerry had no business XXXXX be in a Methodist prayer-meeting at all .
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