'Oh'—vaguely—'there isn't time, as a rule. One is so busy. It is a different thing when you go to bed.'
'What do you do then,' said Hermie, 'when you are miserable in bed?'
Miss Browne thought a second. 'I think I say my prayers,' she said.
'And if that does not cure you?'
'I say them again.'
'And if you are still miserable?'
'I—I think I go to sleep then; one is generally tired.' She spoke apologetically.
Hermie leaned her head still farther back. 'Saying prayers would not help me much,' she said. 'I am an atheist.'
'What?' screamed Miss Browne.
'An atheist,' said Hermie. 'It is very comfortable to be one. You have only to think about eating and sleeping. Oh dear!'