Meggie's tone was a bit harsh, and everyone was startled.
Sophia had already stepped into Meggie's room but retreated a step in fright.
Emily was walking at the back. Seeing Sophia step back, she also stopped.
Bella smiled to ease the awkwardness: "Meggie usually uses sandalwood incense. She doesn't like other scents, fearing they would pollute her devotion to Jesus. She doesn't allow flowers in her yard, only bamboo, to prevent other fragrances from mixing in."
Sophia hurriedly apologized, "I'm sorry. I thought I was meeting someone important today, so I wore perfume. It was out of respect for Meggie."
Bella smiled, "You are a cultured person, so you consider many things."
"Yes," Sophia said proudly, "I have a master's degree." She glanced at Emily, who hadn't attended college.
Bel
