The man seemed unwilling to go back inside the chapel; but the two girls walked quickly away from him down through the deserted village.
After dinner the incident was discussed with some bitterness.
"How did 'ee go out of chapel like that?" asked Trewhella.
"Because I don't go to a chapel or a church neither to be stared at. It's a game of mine played slow, being stared at by a lot of old crows like them in there."
Jenny defiantly surveyed Zachary, his mother and old Mr. Champion, while May murmured encouragement behind her.
"’Tisn't paying any great respect to the dear Lord," said Trewhella. "Trooping out like a lot of great bullocks! I went so hot as lead."
"’Tisn't paying any great respect to the dear Lord, staring at two women when you belong praying," said Granfa severely.
"Darn 'ee," said Trewhella savagely. "’Tis nothing to do with you, a heathen old man as was once seen picking wrinkles off the rocks on a Sunday morning."
"I believe it is then," said Granfa stoutly. "I believe that it's got a brae lot to do with me and, darn 'ee, if it hasn't——"
He thumped the table so that all the crockery rattled. This roused Mrs. Trewhella, who had been blinking in silence.