The Devil's Disciple eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 104 pages of information about The Devil's Disciple.

The Devil's Disciple eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 104 pages of information about The Devil's Disciple.

Richard.  I observe that Mrs. Anderson is not quite so pressing as you are, Pastor.

Judith (almost stifled with resentment, which she has been expecting her husband to share and express for her at every insult of Richard’s).  You are welcome for my husband’s sake. (She brings the teapot to the fireplace and sets it on the hob.)

Richard.  I know I am not welcome for my own, madam. (He rises.) But I think I will not break bread here, Minister.

Anderson (cheerily).  Give me a good reason for that.

Richard.  Because there is something in you that I respect, and that makes me desire to have you for my enemy.

Anderson.  That’s well said.  On those terms, sir, I will accept your enmity or any man’s.  Judith:  Mr. Dudgeon will stay to tea.  Sit down:  it will take a few minutes to draw by the fire.  (Richard glances at him with a troubled face; then sits down with his head bent, to hide a convulsive swelling of his throat.) I was just saying to my wife, Mr. Dudgeon, that enmity—­(she grasps his hand and looks imploringly at him, doing both with an intensity that checks him at once) Well, well, I mustn’t tell you, I see; but it was nothing that need leave us worse friend—­ enemies, I mean.  Judith is a great enemy of yours.

Richard.  If all my enemies were like Mrs. Anderson I should be the best Christian in America.

Anderson (gratified, patting her hand).  You hear that, Judith?  Mr. Dudgeon knows how to turn a compliment.

The latch is lifted from without.

Judith (starting).  Who is that?

Christy comes in.

Christy (stopping and staring at Richard).  Oh, are you here?

Richard.  Yes.  Begone, you fool:  Mrs. Anderson doesn’t want the whole family to tea at once.

Christy (coming further in).  Mother’s very ill.

Richard.  Well, does she want to see me?

Christy.  No.

Richard.  I thought not.

Christy.  She wants to see the minister—­at once.

Judith (to Anderson).  Oh, not before you’ve had some tea.

Anderson.  I shall enjoy it more when I come back, dear. (He is about to take up his cloak.)

Christy.  The rain’s over.

Anderson (dropping the cloak and picking up his hat from the fender).  Where is your mother, Christy?

Christy.  At Uncle Titus’s.

Anderson.  Have you fetched the doctor?

Christy.  No:  she didn’t tell me to.

Anderson.  Go on there at once:  I’ll overtake you on his doorstep.  (Christy turns to go.) Wait a moment.  Your brother must be anxious to know the particulars.

Richard.  Psha! not I:  he doesn’t know; and I don’t care.  (Violently.) Be off, you oaf. (Christy runs out.  Richard adds, a little shamefacedly) We shall know soon enough.

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Project Gutenberg
The Devil's Disciple from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.