Where run line holds, however, the psalm is read out first, and forthwith sung.

This is not only a flighty way of doing things, which may lead to greater scandals, but has its practical disadvantages, for the precentor always starts singing in advance of the congregation (Auld Lichts never being able to begin to do anything all at once), and, increasing the distance with every line, leaves them hopelessly behind at the finish.

Miss McQuhatty protested against this change, as meeting the devil halfway, but the minister carried his point, and ever after that she rushed ostentatiously from the church the moment a psalm was given out, and remained behind the door until the singing was finished, when she returned, with a rustle, to her seat.

Run line had on her the effect of the reading of the Riot Act.

Once some men, capable of anything, held the door from the outside, and the congregation heard Tibbie rampaging in the passage.