THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND - CSIR

Two deacons also took her hand and stressed the word grateful. Had Uncle Matthew informed the whole town that he had
taken her in out of charity? If so, then she was obviously a surprise to them, by the suspicion and downright hostility with
which the deacons' wives were surveying her from feathered hat to slippered toe. She did not look like a pauper. Let them
make what they liked of that!
Most of the churchgoers did not come near her. A little distance away she glimpsed Goodwife Cruff, surrounded by a close
huddle of whispering women, all darting venomous glances in Kit's direction. Kit turned a defiant back on them, but first she
sent a friendly wave to prudence, whose peaked little face turned pink with delight.
With a flash of pleasure she saw John Holbrook approaching, but her impulsive greeting froze as she saw that Reverend
Bulkeley had the young man firmly by the elbow. In the shadow of his teacher an extra staidness had fallen over the young
divinity student, and his smile was lukewarm with dignity. Not till John had courteously acknowledged the minister's
introductions did he turn to Kit.
"I was glad to see you in Meeting," he said gravely, "you must have found the sermon uplifting."
Kit was nonplussed.
"How very fortunate we were to hear Dr. Bulkeley," John continued, taking her silence for agreement. "He rarely preaches
now, since his retirement. 'Twas a truly remarkable sermon. Every word seemed to me inspired."
Kit stared at him. Yes, actually, he was serious. Dr. Bulkeley had moved out of earshot, and there was no hint of flattery in
John’s earnest words. She was floundering for an answer when Judith spoke.
"Dr. Bulkeley's sermons are always inspired," she said demurely, "especially when he preaches about the final judgment."
John marked Judith's presence with surprise and respect. Under the white bonnet her face was sweetly serious, her eyes
dazzlingly blue.
"His learning is incredible," he told her. "He can recite entire chapters of Scripture, and he knows law and medicine as well."
John's blush as he found the learned doctor again at his elbow was all the more flattering. Dr. Bulkeley glowed indulgently.
"I do know a bit of Scripture," he admitted. "But this young man has made a good start, a very good start indeed."