There was not the slightest deflection from
the old-time arrogance in the stiff carriage of the head and eyes, nor
anything whatever to show that he considered himself one jot or tittle
less the autocrat of Stockbridge, than on the Sunday a week ago.
Walking the whole length of the meeting-house, he opened the door of
the big square pew at the right hand of the pulpit, considered the
first in honor, and the only part of the interior of the meeting-house,
save the pulpit and sounding-board, which was painted. One by one the
numerous children who called him father, passed before him into the pew.
Then he closed the door and sat down facing the congregation, and slowly
and deliberately looked at the people. As his glance traveled steadily
along the lines of seats, the starers left off staring and looked down
abashed. After he had thus reviewed the seats below, he turned his eyes
upward and proceeded to scan the galleries with the same effect.
So strong was the impression made by this unruffled and authoritative
demeanor, that the people were fain to scratch their heads and look at
one another in vacant questioning, as if doubtful if they had not
dreamed all this, about the great man's being put down by Perez
Hamlin, insulted by the mob, and reduced even now to such
powerlessness that he owed the protection of his sick wife to the
favor of the threadbare Continental captain up there in the gallery.
Pages:
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218