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rhythmically towards her like a choir director.
    â€œWe shorten our words because we have a lot to say so we have to be efficient,” said Emily. “Mama can even talk in shorthand. She shortens ordinary words or leaves some out. Instead of empty you will often hear her say ‘emp’: ‘Emp the garbage, Emily, dear.’ And instead of saying ‘out in the porch’ she leaves out the the and just says ‘out in porch.’”
    â€œNow Emily, dear, you ought not to make fun; the Bible says you’re supposed to honour your father and your mother.”
    â€œAnd I do,” Emily protested half-heartedly, while collecting the plates. “Here, I’ll help you with tea and dessert.”
    Having survived the flipper pie, Basil moved on to Ada’s very English fruit cake topped with a dollop of canned cream that could almost pass for English clotted cream. It came with powerful-looking tea to wash it down, but the tea was accompanied by a sugar bowl instead of the ever-present molasses jar. There was even milk from the cow that the Osmonds shared with the family next door. What an oasis of civilization, he thought, as he watched Ada pour the milk into a dainty china cup and then fill it with tea. He settled back. Sipping tea with ladies was a major part of his calling, and suited his sensibilities very nicely.

chapter five
    Dinner came to an end and Emily’s mother lured the pair into the parlour, which she had quietly preheated. After an appropriate interval she said something about having to clean up from dinner and absented herself, leaving Emily and Basil alone.
    Hoping to keep the conversation light, Emily said mischievously, “You bore up very well, Basil. It must be the famous stiff upper lip.”
    â€œWhatever do you mean?” the young minister replied, frowning playfully as he crossed his legs and made himself comfortable.
    â€œYou were very gracious and I appreciate it. Mama’s flipper pie is famous around here and she’s very proud of it. But seal meat is something that takes getting used to.”
    â€œWell, since we’re being honest I must say that when I entered the house it was not what I had expected. The smell was really quite, quite…”
    â€œLike burnt rope?” said Emily. “You’d better get used to it because every house you go into for the next month will probably be having seal for supper. And you know they’ll make you sit down and have some. And every one of them will ask you if you’ve ever had it before, even though it’s the only thing being eaten in the whole town.”
    â€œI’m sure the Lord will give me strength,” he noted. “Emily, tell me, did you enjoy the sermon this morning?”
    She had been expecting the question and had one of her three or four standard replies ready. “Yes, it was very good,” she said. “Our last pastor droned on when he preached, and put us all to sleep. I’m glad you don’t do that. You have a very good delivery.”
    â€œThank you, you’re very kind,” he beamed. “And I must compliment you on your excellent accompaniment. I know I can always count on you for top-notch music.”
    â€œBasil, I’ve been meaning to ask: during dinner you used a word that I thought had disappeared long ago: papists. If you don’t mind my saying so, I was surprised to hear you use a term like that.”
    â€œYes, I suppose it is an unkind word. I was out of turn and I’m sorry.”
    â€œDo you dislike Catholics?”
    â€œNot at all,” he answered prudently. “The few I know are fine people. I’m just not fond of the chaps in Rome who run things, that’s all.”
    â€œI hope you don’t think we’re the only people with the truth.”
    â€œWell, that’s a—”
    â€œDon’t you think we’re all saying the same thing?”
    â€œI think we’re all