“Verily, that will I,” replied Alice heartily.
“You see, if Father Tye should stir up the embers and get all alight again, maybe we shalln’t have so many more sermons afterward; so we’d best get our good things while we can.”
“Ay, there may be a famine of hearing the words of the Lord,” said Alice gravely. “God avert the same, if His will is!”
“Johnson, he says he’s right sure Master Simnel means to start of his inquirations. Alice, think you you could stand firm?”
Alice Mount sighed and half shook her head. “I didn’t stand over firm last August, Margaret,” said she: “and only the Lord knows how I’ve since repented it. If He’ll keep me true—but I’m feared of myself.”
“Well, do you know I’m not a bit feared? It’s true, I wasn’t tried in August, when you were: but if I had been, be sure I’d never have signed that submission that you did. I wouldn’t, so!”
“Maybe not, neighbour,” answered Alice meekly. “I was weak.”
“Now, Mother,” said Rose, who could bear no longer, “you know you stood forth best of anybody there! It was Father that won her to sign, Margaret; she never would have done it if she’d been left to herself. I know she wouldn’t.”
“Then what didst thou sign for, Rose?” was the reply.
Rose went the colour of her name. Her mother came at once to her help, as Rose had just done to hers.