The Rev. Cecil Thorne was Miss Madeline 's pastor . He was a handsome , scholarly man of middle age , and Lina had seen a good deal of him during her summer in Lower Wentworth . She had taught the infant class in Sunday School and sometimes she had thought that the minister was in love with her . But she must have been mistaken , she reflected ; it must have been her aunt after all , and the Rev. Cecil Thorne 's shyly displayed interest in her must have been purely professional . `` What a goose I was to be afraid he was in love with me ! '' she thought . Aloud she said , `` He says he will call tomorrow evening to receive your answer . '' `` And , oh , what can I say to him ? '' murmured Miss Madeline in dismay . She wished she had a little of Lina 's experience . `` You are going to -- you will accept him , wo n't you ? '' asked Lina curiously . `` Oh , my dear , no ! '' cried Miss Madeline almost vehemently . `` I could n't think of such a thing . I am very sorry ; do you think he will feel badly ? '' `` Judging from his letter I feel sure he will , '' said Lina decidedly . Miss Madeline sighed . `` Oh , dear me ! It is very unpleasant .
But XXXXX course I must refuse him .
Madeline Thorne Wentworth after during from in of that to