Ruth looked from the priest to the constable - the latter got his hint of confusion. She understood what the priest was trying to do pretty soon, but she didn't understand why.

But then Ruth rolled her eyes and scowled at the constable. "And 'ow is it yer business? It's not illegal to 'ave someone else watch yer kids, is it?" She moved Lucy so that she could put the girl on her hip. "Make yerself useful and go fight some real crime, will ye?"

She turned to the little boy, stooped a little, lifted him out of the cart and set him on his feet. "C'mon, we're goin'."