said Eben angrily . `` Old Flora Jane had better mind her own business . '' `` But all the folks are talking about it , Eb . And mother is fretting her heart out over it . Father has never acted like himself since these meetings began . He just goes there night after night , and sits like a mummy , with his head down . And almost everybody else in Avonlea has testified . '' `` 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 , XXXXX a serious face , and dark , thoughtful eyes , totally unlike Mollie .
If about at for in of since so to with