She hurried through the back yard, and down the path leading across the fields.

She was going to the pine grove by the shore, going to find out for herself if Kyan's astonishing story was true.
For if it was true, if the Rev.John Ellery was meeting clandestinely the adopted daughter of Eben Hammond, it meant--what might it not mean, in Trumet?
If he had fallen in love with a Come-Outer, with Grace Van Horne of all people, if he should dare think of marrying her, it would mean the utter wreck of his career as a Regular clergyman.

His own society would turn him out instantly.

All sorts of things would be said, lies and scandal would be invented and believed.

His character would be riddled by the Trumet gossips and the papers would publish the result broadcast.
And Grace! If she loved a Regular minister, what would happen to her?
Captain Eben would turn her from his door, that was certain.