What can be the matter ?" "It is strange, indeed!" responded Mrs.Green, who came up while Mrs.
Peabody was speaking.
"I took notice myself that she did not go up." "I wonder if she has done any thing wrong ?" "Oh, no!" "Then what can be the matter ?" "I would give any thing to know!" "Something is wrong, that is certain," remarked one of the little crowd, for the group of two or three had swelled to as many dozens.
Many were the suggestions made in reference to Aunt Mary's conduct; and, before Sabbath evening, there was not one of, the members that did not know and wonder at her strange omission.
After Aunt Mary returned from church, she felt even worse than before.
A sacred privilege had been deliberately omitted, and all because she had let unkindness spring up between herself and her neighbour.
"And yet how could I help it ?" she argued with herself.

"I was tired out of all patience.

I only sent for my own, and because I did so, Mrs.
Tompkins became offended.

I am sure I was not to blame." "But then," said another voice within her, "you could have gone over on Saturday and made up the matter with her, and then there would have been nothing in the way.

One duty neglected only opened the way for another." There was something in this that could not be gainsaid, and poor Aunt Mary felt as deeply troubled as ever.