Kate hesitated: the next word was not a good one, and she could not pronounce it.
– Dummies! – Cassie exclaimed excitedly, her face shining with happiness.
– They went out into the woods
Where the grey wolf was waiting for them
And he with his teeth
– Clang-clang-clang-clang! – Cassie put in again.
– And the hens…
But before Catherine could finish, Pastor Glowford entered the house.
– Daddy! Daddy! – Cassandra shouted joyfully and tried to jump up from the mattress, but her sister stopped her just in time:
– No, sweetheart, you're too weak. Father will come to you.
The pastor hurriedly threw off his shoes, changed into his home clothes and went into his daughters' room.
– Cassie, my angel, are you feeling better? – He asked affectionately, sitting down beside his daughter and stroking her head.
– Can I have another apple? – Cassie asked, grabbing her father's hand.
– Of course, you can. Catherine, wash an apple for her,' the pastor said to his eldest daughter.
– 'Will Chris have apples? – Cassie asked, looking lovingly at her father.
He took a deep breath and smiled: he was overwhelmed with love for his feeble-minded daughter.
– Daddy, will you have apples? – The girl asked again without getting an answer.
– No, dear, thank you, I've already eaten. Do you remember the new landlord who came to our church the day before yesterday?
– No.
– She was asleep that day," Kate whispered to her father, and handed her sister a washed apple, which she grabbed and chewed with pleasure.
– Lord Draymore has proved to be an honourable man: he has promised to rebuild our church," said Pastor to Cassie: he always told her everything, as if she could understand the importance of what he said.
– Is that a good thing? – Cassie asked, chewing an apple.
– It's very good, my dear," smiled her father. – But now we will listen to the Scripture and go to bed: we are all very tired and need rest.
– Where is Chris? – Kate asked suddenly. – She's still not here! She must be sitting on her rock again!
– She will be back soon: I sent her to the Coulters for milk; they promised to give Cassie some milk from their goat," the parson answered her.
– Christine's behaviour has been very bad lately," said Kate grudgingly. – She ought to pray more, not disappear under the oak tree.