Alice continued reading. It was one of the letters of Paul. Ben listened attentively. For many years now, faith had been a defining feature in his life, ever since he had heard that preacher speak in Robin Hood's Bay when the children were small. The losses and struggles of life had made him question it at times, had even made him wrestle with God, but always he came back to it. It gave him some sense that there was more than this mundane struggle and its sorrows and evils. Will was listening with closed eyes, frowning. Anne picked up a needlework to keep her hands busy while listening. Bram had momentarily sat up straight in Ben's lap, but quickly dozed off, his head resting on his father's shoulder.