Suddenly he became conscious that a reek of burning cloth filled the room . He whirled round and saw nothing . Then he clapped his hands to his coat-tails and brought them around in front of him . There was already quite a hole in one of them -- and this was his new suit . Faith shook with helpless laughter over his pose and expression . `` Did you see my coat-tails burning ? '' he demanded angrily . `` Yes , sir , '' said Faith demurely . `` Why did n't you tell me ? '' he demanded , glaring at her . `` You said it was n't good manners to interrupt , sir , '' said Faith , more demurely still . `` If -- if I was your father , I would give you a spanking that you would remember all your life , Miss , '' said a very angry reverend gentleman , as he stalked out of the study . The coat of Mr. Meredith 's second best suit would not fit Mr. Perry , so he had to go to the evening service with his singed coat-tail . But he did not walk up the aisle with his usual consciousness of the honour he was conferring on the building . He never would agree to an exchange of pulpits with Mr. Meredith again , and he was barely civil to the latter when they met for a few minutes at the station the next morning . But Faith felt a certain gloomy satisfaction . Adam was partially avenged . CHAPTER XX . FAITH MAKES A FRIEND Next day in school was a hard one for Faith . Mary Vance had told the tale of Adam , and all the scholars , except the Blythes , thought it quite a joke .
The girls told Faith , between giggles , XXXXX it was too bad , and the boys wrote sardonic notes of condolence to her .
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