human
I'm on my way to interview the trustees of the church, he remarked.
gpt
It is curious that all but one of them now really live in Johnsonville, although they still keep their nominal residence here.
human
What do you want to see _them_ for?
gpt
Why, I've had what I flatter myself is an inspiration for everyone concerned. I've got a big commission for part of the decorations of the new State House in Montana, and I need a very large studio. It occurred to me the other day that instead of building I'd save time by buying the old church here and using that.
human
I didn't know you were a member, said the sculptor, a little surprised.
gpt
You don't often go.
human
Why, my grandfather was minister in that church! Mr. Horton received this as a statement of fact.
gpt
Indeed? I didn't realize the building was so old. I wonder if the foundations are still in good shape. He went on, explanatorily,
human
I really don't know why I hadn't thought of the plan before. The number who attend church in that great barn of a place could easily be put into someone's parlor, and save the trustees the expense of heating. One of them whom I saw the other day seemed quite pleased with the notion--said they'd been at a loss to know what to do about conditions here. He glanced at his watch.
gpt
Well, I must be going or I shall miss the train to Johnsonville. Thank you very much for the hint about the blight.
human
Forward, charge! She had been, for the last few weeks, a little paler than usual. Now her powerful old face flushed to an angry red. She dashed her trowel to the garden path and clenched her fists.
gpt
What's coming to Greenford!
human
Joel Barney! she cried, storming up his front steps.
gpt
You're a trustee of the church, aren't you? Well, if you don't vote against selling the church, I'll foreclose the mortgage on your house so quick you can't wink. And you tell 'Lias Bennett that if he doesn't do the same, I'll pile manure all over that field of mine near his place, and stink out his summer renters so they'll never set foot here again.
human
How would you like to have brazen models and nasty statues made in the building where your own folks have always gone to church?
gpt
They don't do much to a church that costs money, she thought, and, when Molly went away, she made out her budget unflinchingly. Wood for the furnace, kerosene for the lamps, wages to the janitor, repairs when needed--
human
Well, Abigail Warner, she told herself,