It was a moment before Mable noticed the hand offered to her, and another before she took it.  She did not shake it; just held it in her own small and delicate grip.

"Help me... yes, yes, you can help me."  Slowly, Mable's voice regained its energy, but she still couldn't look at Nettie again.

"I heard - I'm not sure if it's true, but I heard the priests stay in special rooms inside the church.  Do you know how to get there?  Maybe Father Brennan is in his room.  I'd like to go check."

It was the one place she hadn't yet.  Mable was still nervous to talk to anyone in the church but Father Brennan, but Nettie was his niece, she had said so herself!  So, she must know where he was.

Impatient, Mable started towards the church, pulling Nettie with her.

"It's been weeks since I last saw him, so I need to see him very soon.  Its really very important that I do.  Come, come on!"