Bertie’s gaze was very intent.
“Did they all die?”
“Ay, that they did, and the mother too; and he was left all alone.”
Bertie looked dreamily out of the window.
“What is dying?” he asked.
Mrs. Pritchard hesitated how to reply; and Bertie gave the answer to his own question.
“Isn’t it when God takes people away with Him that people say they are dead?”
The ready tears had started to Mrs. Pritchard’s eyes.
“Ay, indeed ’tis so, Master Bertie dear; but we’re sadly given to forget that.”
“I haven’t forgotten that,” said Bertie, slowly, “but I can’t remember who told me.” He looked hard at Mrs. Pritchard and asked, earnestly, “Do you think God knows all about me?”