'And it's my belief,' she went on, 'as the poor little creatur
has never been christened, and it's nothing but right as the parson
should be spoke to; and if you was noways unwilling, I'd talk to Mr
Macey about it this very day. For if the child ever went anyways
wrong, and you hadn't done your part by it, Master Marner-
'noculation, and everything to save it from harm- it 'ud be a thorn i'
your bed for ever o' this side the grave; and I can't think as it
'ud be easy lying down for anybody when they'd got to another world,
if they hadn't done their part by the helpless children as come wi'out
their own asking.'
Dolly herself was disposed to be silent for some time now, for
she had spoken from the depths of her own simple belief, and was
much concerned to know whether her words would produce the desired
effect on Silas. He was puzzled and anxious, for Dolly's word
'christened' conveyed no distinct meaning to him. He had only heard of
baptism, and had only seen the baptism of grown-up men and women.
'What is it as you mean by "christened"?' he said at last, timidly.
'Won't folks be good to her without it?'
'Dear, dear! Master Marner,' said Dolly, with gentle distress and
compassion. 'Had you never no father nor mother as taught you to say
your prayers, and as there's good words and good things to keep us
from harm?'
'Yes,' said Silas, in a low voice; 'I know a deal about that-
used to, used to.
Pages:
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192