human
I do so hope you will understand me, Uncle Josiah!
gpt
I've always tried to, Beth.
human
I know you have! Tell me, did my--did any one you know have anything to do with making up that boxing match the other night?
gpt
There was a good many that had to do with it, unless I'm 'way off in my reckoning.
human
Has Mr. McGowan said anything about Father in connection with the affair?
gpt
He ain't said nothing to me,
human
Uncle Josiah! exclaimed the girl, her eyes growing wide in her earnestness.
gpt
I know Father has not treated Mr. McGowan one bit nicely since what happened at our house, and I don't know why. There must be some reason, though, for Father would not harm any one without just reasons. He is the best man in the whole world! But he has had his way so long with all the other ministers that he cannot become accustomed to the way Mr. McGowan ignores him. Father does a lot of good, and Mr. McGowan dare not think ill of him!
human
There, there, Beth, soothed the Captain.
gpt
You're trying to tell me something, but you're getting off the course. Just you tell me calm-like what it's all about. The fust thing to do is to get our bearings. Has some one been telling you that Mr. McGowan thinks and talks about your dad in the way you say?
human
No-o. But I've heard others say that Father knew all about the plans for that fight before it happened, and that he could have stopped it had he wished to. It isn't true! And if Mr. McGowan even thinks it's true he isn't fair. He will misjudge Father if he has the least idea that he would stoop to such a frame-up.
gpt
I cal'late he ain't misjudging your father none, Beth. So far as disobeying orders goes, it's because he knows what's best. He ain't likely to go contrary, unless----
human
But I know he does misjudge Father, broke in the girl in an attempt to return to her former subject.
gpt
And Father feels it keenly. If he doesn't misjudge him, why doesn't he come to our house any more to ask advice about parish matters? He just goes ahead to suit himself. Do you think that fair?