`` Oh , no , there 's lots have n't , '' said Eben . `` Matthew Cuthbert never has , nor Uncle Elisha , nor any of the Whites . '' `` But everybody knows they do n't believe in getting up and testifying , so nobody wonders when they do n't . Besides , '' Mollie laughed -- `` Matthew could never get a word out in public , if he did believe in it . He 'd be too shy . But , '' she added with a sigh , `` it is n't that way with father . He believes in testimony , so people wonder why he does n't get up . Why , even old Josiah Sloane gets up every night . '' `` With his whiskers sticking out every which way , and his hair ditto , '' interjected the graceless Eben . `` When the minister calls for testimonials and all the folks look at our pew , I feel ready to sink through the floor for shame , '' sighed Mollie . `` If father would get up just once ! '' Miriam Bell entered the kitchen . She was ready for the meeting , to which Major Spencer was to take her . She was a tall , pale girl , with a serious face , and dark , thoughtful eyes , totally unlike Mollie . She had `` come under conviction '' during the meetings , and had stood up for prayer and testimony several times . The evangelist thought her very spiritual . She heard Mollie 's concluding sentence and spoke reprovingly . `` You should n't criticize your father , Mollie . It is n't for you to judge him . '' Eben had hastily slipped out .
He was afraid Miriam would begin talking religion XXXXX him if he stayed .
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