"I daresay you're right.Skeaton's not the place for you.I saw that the first time we met.Well, whatever you do, don't lose your pluck.
You're yourself, you know, and you're as good as anybody else.Don't you forget that.Because a lot of people say a thing it doesn't mean it's true, and because a set of idiots think a thing shocking it doesn't mean that it's shocking.Think how wrong people have always been about everything!"They turned down a side lane and arrived in the High Street.The street was very empty.In the fading light a large pink poster attracted Maggie's attention.She went close to it and read the announcement of the Revival services.
When she read the names of Thurston and Mr.Crashaw and Miss Avies it seemed to her incredible, and then at the same time as something that she had always expected.
"Oh," she cried, "it's coming here!" She was strangely startled as though the sign of Thurston's name was strange forewarning.
"What's coming?" asked Miss Toms.
She read the notice.
"I don't know what you think," said Miss Toms, "but that kind of thing's humbug if you ask me.""Oh!" Maggie cried."It's so strange.I knew those people in London.
I used to go to their services.And now they're coming here!"She could not explain to Miss Toms the mysterious assurance that she had of the way that her former world was drawing near to her again.
She could see now that never for a moment since her arrival in Skeaton had it let her alone, slowly invading her, bit by bit driving in upon her, forcing her to retire...
It was quite dark now.Because it was Sunday evening the shops were closed.Only behind some of the curtained windows dim lights burned.
Very clearly the sea could be heard breaking upon the shore.The last note of the bell from the Methodist Chapel echoed across the roofs and stones.