O Lord, I have but one child! O Lord, spare her! But o'er and above a' I would like to pray for his soul, that Satan might not have it, for he came to me but a little lad.' At that moment Philip, smitten by his conscience for his hard manner of speech, came back; but Alice did not hear or see him till he was close by her, and then he had to touch her to recall her attention.
'Mother,' said he, 'I was wrong.

I'm fretted by many things.

I shouldn't ha' spoken so.

It was ill-done of me.' 'Oh, my lad!' said she, looking up and putting her thin arm on his shoulder as he stooped, 'Satan is desiring after yo' that he may sift yo' as wheat.

Bide at whoam, bide at whoam, and go not after them as care nought for holy things.