With novels she had no patience , she said disdainfully . She seldom spoke of herself or her past life and Alan fancied she avoided any personal reference . But once she said abruptly , `` Why do you never ask me to go to church ? I 've always been afraid you would . '' `` Because I do not think it would do you any good to go if you did n't want to , '' said Alan gravely . `` Souls should not be rudely handled any more than bodies . '' She looked at him reflectively , her finger denting her chin in a meditative fashion she had . `` You are not at all like Mr. Strong . He always scolded me , when he got a chance , for not going to church . I would have hated him if it had been worthwhile . I told him one day that I was nearer to God under these pines than I could be in any building fashioned by human hands . He was very much shocked . But I do n't want you to misunderstand me . Father does not go to church because he does not believe there is a God . But I know there is . Mother taught me so . I have never gone to church because Father would not allow me , and I could not go now in Rexton where the people talk about me so . Oh , I know they do -- you know it , too -- but I do not care for them . I know I 'm not like other girls . I would like to be but I ca n't be -- I never can be -- now . ''
There was some strange passion in her voice XXXXX Alan did not quite understand -- a bitterness and a revolt which he took to be against the circumstances that hedged her in .
Because With at if in like of than that to