– But if she doesn't want to, we can't force her. Christine has had a hard time with your mother's death, and it has made a strain on her character, so you can't blame her for being impertinent and disobedient," said the pastor wisely.
While Catherine and the pastor were talking, Cassie fell asleep again, clutching the half-eaten apple in her palm.
Soon Christine came home: she brought a clay jug of milk, set it on the table, took off her shoes in silence, and lay down on her mattress.
After the usual evening ritual and prayer, the family spread out on their bunks.
– Kate! – Christine called softly to her sister, afraid her father would hear her. – Kate, can you hear me?
– What?" Catherine answered her in a whisper.
– I'm going to tell you something, but just don't tell dad," Chris said and moved quietly onto Catherine's mattress.
– Okay. What?
– I want to leave.
– "Leave? Where to?" Kate was surprised: she thought it would be a great sin to leave her birthplace.
– To the city. I'll get a job and send you money.
– What nonsense! The city is full of sinners and temptation!
– But there's good work to be found there. What awaits me in the middle of nowhere? It's so boring here!
– If you're bored, get married.
– There's no one to marry!
– You're too choosy! Marry John. He's a good lad, kind and religious. He's already asked me why you say no to everything.
– Then marry him yourself! – Christine was disgusted at the thought of marrying a poor man like herself, but she could not tell her sister, for she was afraid of being seen as a corrupt wench.
– I'm not getting married because I'm looking after Cassie. If I leave her and start a family of my own, will you look after the poor girl? – Catherine was very unhappy at her sister's levity: what a thing to think of! To go to town!
– Kate, don't you understand? I can earn money and help you! I'm sick of depending on the favours of the neighbours! – whispered insistently and loudly, annoyed by her sister's stubbornness, Christine.
– It is not the neighbours who give us favours, but God who works through their hearts! But that is your business. Go wherever you like, but I don't approve of your plan," Catherine agreed reluctantly. – But how will you tell Dad?
– I'm a grown-up girl and I can go anywhere I want, you said so yourself.