Anstice took him into the room at once. Here they found the little girls on the carpet sorting over a bag of feathers, Ruffie looking on with the keenest interest. They looked up surprised at the grown-ups' intrusion, but the Rector quickly put them at ease.
"I'm not going to stay, I only want to shake hands, and say that I hope we're going to be friends."
Hands were shaken in grave silence.
"Now, did I see any of you at church?"
Josie shook her head vigorously.
"We don't hardly ever go. It's so dull. And Mr. Penfold looked so cross and old."
"I'd like to go one day," announced Ruffie. "I'd like to hear the music."
"You shall," promised Anstice.
Then the Rector took his leave. But he placed his hand on Ruffie's head before he went, and said softly, "May the Good Shepherd gather His lamb with His Arm and carry him in His Bosom."
And Ruffie stared at him with open eyes and mouth, as if he were an unknown wonder.