It was suddenly discovered that the Chapmans were also absent.
An indignant female got up and proposed that some one "go for" the Chapmans, and make them explain what it all meant.

Another, equally indignant, took a more sensible view of things.

"If there's to be no service," said she, "I'm going home to read my Bible in quiet." And she left the church, followed by the rest of the congregation.

And as nobody explained, of course every one had his or her own reason for this singular turn in the spiritual affairs of the new church.

There was no getting over the fact that the new church had been brought to a stand still.