As was the custom a young man had charge of the meeting and he stood with asort of embarrassed dignity on the little platform behind the desk. He wasreading a s... » 

As was the custom a young man had charge of the meeting and he stood with asort of embarrassed dignity on the little platform behind the desk. He wasreading a selection from the Bible. Maria heard him drone out in a scarcelyaudible voice Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth and then she heard in aquick response a soft sob from the seat behind her. Excerpt from Chapter 1 «