Under cover of blowing his nose violently, he rose, and, shifting from one foot to the other, he glanced imploringly at his companions.

But no one spoke.
"Brother Ward," he began at last, opening and shutting his mouth until his upper lip looked like a hooked beak, "this Session has been called for the consideration of--of the spiritual condition of this church.

The duties of the elders of a church are heavy, and painful--and--and--large.
But they are discharged,--they are always," said Mr.Dean, inflating his chest, and raising one hand, "discharged! The church expects it, and the church is not disappointed.

Yet it is most terribly painful, sometimes--most awful, and--unpleasant." Here Mr.Dean stopped, and coughed behind his hand.

Mr.Johnson crossed his legs, and glanced back at the door as though calculating his chances of escape.