human
I missed you in church yesterday, and on Christmas Day.
gpt
One old 'ooman can't be missed, sir.
human
You are mistaken, Mrs. Yellam. A woman of your character in this parish is missed--more than you think, perhaps.
gpt
If Alferd comes back, you'll see me in my pew again.
human
You have made that rash bargain with your God?
gpt
How do I know as He is my God? The Kayser claims Him.
human
If--if I left the matter there, Mrs. Yellam, in the firm hope and belief that God's way, inscrutable as they may appear to us when all our energies are at a low ebb, will in His time be made manifest, may I not ask you, as your parish priest, to consider the example to others, the many, possibly, who are wavering in faith as you are?
gpt
Fancy Broomfield bid me think of that.
human
Did she? Poor girl, she is distracted with anxiety, like you. But her faith sustains her. Have you thought of what Fancy told you?
gpt
My faith be gone, sir. It may come back wi' Alferd. And feeling so bitter as I do about William Saint, who be stealing my boy's business, who be letting others fight for him, and making a fortin for hisself, can I kneel at God's Table?
human
No.
gpt
What be I to do? Go to church, a whited sepulchre, and pretend that I be a Christian 'ooman? Do 'ee ask me to do that for sake of others?
human
I can't bring myself to go church along, although I'd be pleased to oblige you, sir.
gpt
It is no question of obliging me, Mrs. Yellam. Aren't you adding to your heavy burden instead of sharing it with One Who laid it upon you and Who alone can lighten it?
human
Civil War--devastating Civil War raging in that poor old heart.