Ход королевы

           Ordidn’texactlylooklikeherasmuchasdisplayallindicationsofspiritualsisterhood.Sheworeabeigesuitandpumpsandsmiledagooddealinawaytotallydevoidoffeeling.HernamewasMrs.Blocker.Theotherwasplumpandslightlyembarrassedandworeadarkfloralprintandno-nonsenseshoes.ShewasMissDodge.TheywereontheirwayfromHoustontoCincinnatiandhadstoppedbyforachat.TheysatsidebysideonBeth’ssofaandtalkedabouttheballetinHoustonandthewaythecitywasgrowinginculture.ClearlytheywantedBethtoknowChristianCrusadewasnotmerelyanarrow,fundamentalistorganization.Andjustasclearlytheyhadcometolookherover.Theyhadwrittenahead.

           BethlistenedpolitelywhiletheytalkedaboutHoustonandabouttheagencytheywerehelpingtosetupinCincinnati—anagencythathadsomethingtodowithprotectingtheChristianenvironment.Theconversationfalteredforamoment,andMissDodgespoke.“Whatwewouldreallylike,Elizabeth,wouldbesomekindofastatement.”

           “Astatement?”BethwassittinginMrs.Wheatley’sarmchairfacingthemonthesofa.

           Mrs.Blockerpickeditup.“ChristianCrusadewouldlikeyoutomakeyourpositionpublic.Inaworldwheresomanykeepsilent…”Shedidn’tfinish.

           “Whatposition?”Bethasked.

           “Asweknow,”Mrs.Dodgesaid,“thespreadofCommunismisalsothespreadofatheism.”

           “Isupposeso,”Bethsaid.

           “It’snotamatterofsupposing,”Mrs.Blockersaidquickly.“It’samatteroffact.OfMarxist-Leninistfact.