asked Peter . `` Hush ! It just means queer , '' said Cecily , nudging him with her elbow . `` A common man would be queer , but when it 's a minister , it 's eccentric . '' `` When he gets very old , '' continued the Story Girl , `` the Presbytery thought it was time he was retired . HE did n't think so ; but the Presbytery had their way , because there were so many of them to one of him . He was retired , and a young man was called to Carlisle . Mr. Scott went to live in town , but he came out to Carlisle very often , and visited all the people regularly , just the same as when he was their minister . The young minister was a very good young man , and tried to do his duty ; but he was dreadfully afraid of meeting old Mr. Scott , because he had been told that the old minister was very angry at being set aside , and would likely give him a sound drubbing , if he ever met him . One day the young minister was visiting the Crawfords in Markdale , when they suddenly heard old Mr. Scott 's voice in the kitchen . The young minister turned pale as the dead , and implored Mrs. Crawford to hid him . But she could n't get him out of the room , and all she could do was to hide him in the china closet . The young minister slipped into the china closet , and old Mr. Scott came into the room . He talked very nicely , and read , and prayed . They made very long prayers in those days , you know ; and at the end of his prayer he said , ` Oh Lord , bless the poor young man hiding in the closet . Give him courage not to fear the face of man . Make him a burning and a shining light to this sadly abused congregation . ' Just imagine the feelings of the young minister in the china closet ! But he came right out like a man , though his face was very red , as soon as Mr. Scott had done praying . And Mr. Scott was lovely to him , and shook hands , and never mentioned the china closet .
And they were the best XXXXX friends ever afterwards . ''
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