"I called you 'Mother.' Do you mind?"
"No, no; but I bain't worthy to be your mother. If Master Lionel be taken, Alferd'll go, too. I can't bring myself to look at my lady. I can't look Pa'son square i' the face, neither. I reads the Bible, Fancy, and the holy words do seem to mock me. I ain't been near those two pore souls as ha' lost their boys. For why? I ain't got no comfort for 'em."
Fancy said desperately:
"If you keep away from church, others will pass remarks."
"As if I keered about that!"
"Wouldn't you care if I stayed away, just because you did?"
Mrs. Yellam considered this. Her face relaxed.
"Maybe. Anyways, I'll go next Sunday; But, child, it be sinful to sit in God's House wi' such a soul as mine."
Fancy said in a low voice:
"Your soul is right. You mind what Mr. Hamlin said about that? George Mucklow won his Cross because our souls are always right."