He was sunk in silent reverie poking at his pipe.

In spite of his confidence in the Almighty's increased goodwill towards the present dispensation, he was not prepared to say for certain what 'Lias Dawson did or didn't see.
'Nobory should goo an meddle wi Satan,' he repeated slowly after an interval; and then opening the yard gate he went off on his usual Sunday walk over the moors to have a look at his more distant sheep.
Davy stood intently looking after him; so did Louie.

She had clasped her hands behind her head, her eyes were wide, her look and attitude all eagerness.

She was putting two and two together--her uncle's promise and the mermaid story as the Manchester man had delivered it.

You had but to see her and wish, and, according to the Manchester man and his book, you got your wish.