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.

– 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.