`` We poor men have been shaking in our shoes , '' he said facetiously . `` Were you ? '' Mrs. Knox 's voice was calm and faintly amused . `` Well , you did n't need to . We talked the matter over very quietly and came to the conclusion that the session knew best and that women had n't any right to interfere in church business at all . '' Lucy Knox turned her head away to hide a smile . The elder beamed . He was a peace-loving man and disliked `` ructions '' of any sort and domestic ones in particular . Since the decision of the session Mrs. Knox had made his life a burden to him . He did not understand her sudden change of base , but he accepted it very thankfully . `` That 's right -- that 's right , '' he said heartily . `` I 'm glad to hear you coming out so sensible , Maria . I was afraid you 'd work yourselves up at that meeting and let Myra Wilson or Alethea Craig put you up to some foolishness or other . Well , I guess I 'll jog down to the Corner this evening and order that barrel of pastry flour you want . '' `` Oh , you need n't , '' said Mrs. Knox indifferently . `` We wo n't be needing it now . '' `` Not needing it ! But I thought you said you had to have some to bake for the social week after next . '' `` There is n't going to be any social . '' `` Not any social ? ''
Elder XXXXX stared perplexedly at his wife .
Craig Knox Maria Mrs. Wilson evening matter right ructions shoes