The pastor thanked the doctor warmly for his help and said he would pray God to reward him for his labours, and asked Mr. Morris to send his thanks also to Viscount Wilworth, who had insisted on his coming to see Cassie.
After a humble dinner, passed in silence, the Glowfords listened to a piece of Scripture, prayed, snuffed out the candle, and went to bed.
During the night Cassie breathed heavily, but her sleep was full of tranquillity. In the morning Mr. Morris again visited the sick woman, and brought a large basket of fruit for her, which had been given through him by Viscount Wilworth.
After matins, Pastor Glowford announced to the congregation Lord Draymore's plans to restore the church and rebuild their homes, while colourfully describing his short visit to Rivershold. The peasants were overjoyed: the story of the well-respected pastor assured them that the new landlord was a fine man and that he would take care of Walsingham. The landlord's secretary had come yesterday after the morning service and had written down the peasants' complaints in a special book, and assured the Walsingham people that the Count would look into them himself.
Cassie slept all day and did not wake until evening, tired and sad, but when Catherine gave her a large red apple, one of those sent by Viscount Wilworth, she cheered up and asked her sister to tell her a story.
– Sweetheart, why do you want these silly fairy tales? I'd rather read you the Scriptures instead, they're better than fairy tales," Catherine told her gently: she didn't approve of fictitious magic stories, so there were no books in the Glowford house except those containing religious texts.
– But I want to hear a fairy tale! – exclaimed Cassie capriciously, always hearing about them from the village children.
– A fairy tale is full of deceit and lies, and God doesn't like lies. He loves only the truth," Kate answered patiently. – But I can sing you a song, if you like.
– Yes, about the chickens! – Cassie said cheerfully.
Catherine did not approve of this "nonsense", but wishing to give her sick sister pleasure, this time strayed from her high principles not to sing such "vulgar" songs.
– There's a henhouse in our house
And the hens live in it.
But they've all run away.
Into the dark woods all…