"Would you say that John has got your gift, ma'am?" he asked
"Time will show," replied Faith. "He's a godly, plain-dealer is John, but I've never heard him say he's seen one."
"I hope he won't," said Dinah. "Because, in his business as water-keeper, and looking out against trespassers and such-like, it might confuse him and waste his time a lot, if he was to see shadow people about by the river and think them poaching."
Her foster-father exploded at the absurdity of the idea; but neither Lawrence nor Faith Bamsey saw anything amusing in it. Then Ben grew serious and set down his old dog, which had returned to his lap after tea was ended.
"There's church bell," he said, "and us be going. Have you worshipped at our church yet, Maynard?"
The thin tinkle of bell music fell from the wooded height above Green Hayes.
"No," said Lawrence. "I have not. I don't go to church."
Ben shrank, and his wife started and tightened her lips.
"Ban't you a Christian then?"
"Couldn't say as to that, ma'am; but I don't find church-going help me, so I don't go."