part of it, and that is why I told you of it," said Annie.

"What part?"

"The--the--theatricals."

"Why not?" asked the minister.

"I know--Mrs. Bolton told me you were very liberal," Annie faltered on;
"but I didn't expect you as a--But of course--"

"I read Shakespeare a great deal," said Mr. Peck. "I have never been in the
theatre; but I should like to see one of his plays represented where it
could cause no one to offend."

"Yes," said Annie, "and this would be by amateurs, and there could be no
_possible_ 'offence in it.' I wished to know how the general idea
would strike you. Of course the ladies would be only too glad of your
advice and co-operation. Their plan is to sell tickets to every one for the
theatricals, and to a certain number of invited persons for a supper, and a
little dance afterward on the lawn."

"I don't know if I understand exactly," said the minister.

Annie repeated her statement more definitely, and explained, from Mr.
Brandreth, as before, that the invitations were to be given so as to
eliminate the shop-hand element from the supper and dance.

Mr. Peck listened quietly. "That would prevent my taking part in the
affair," he said, as quietly as he had listened.