He seemed not to notice Jonah's deformity.

But, as he read the service, he was the priest again, solemn and austere, standing at the gates of Life and Death.

He followed the ritual with scrupulous detail, scorning to give short measure to the poor.

In the vestry they signed their names with tremendous effort, holding the pen as if it were a prop.

Mrs Yabsley, being no scholar, made a mark.