"Oh, I'll stay and help," suggested Mary mechanically, laying aside her coat.
"Please don't trouble. I can manage better by myself. Mrs. Coast and Miss Taylor will help me."
"Very well."
Mrs. Robson plainly did not care whether she stayed or went.
Indeed, from her listless movements it was clear and she did not much mind what happened at all.
The two men watched her go. The vicar rubbed his hands.
"Capital woman. One of the best. Splendid worker. Example to the whole parish, ha? But doesn't look well. I should say—mark you, I don't know, but I should say—she had been overdoing things."
Coast's self-control deserted him.
"No wonder, when she can't let the wind blow without puffing it on a bit! If she minded her own business a bit more and other people's a bit less, she might look better. I believe she thinks the Almighty can't get along without a deputy providence."
"Really, Mr. Coast!" said the vicar.