The congregation dismissed itself as best it could . `` Oh , Mrs. Clow , '' gasped Faith , `` is Una dead ? Have we killed her ? '' `` What is the matter with my child ? '' demanded the pale father . `` She has just fainted , I think , '' said Mrs. Clow . `` Oh , here 's the doctor , thank goodness . '' Gilbert did not find it a very easy thing to bring Una back to consciousness . He worked over her for a long time before her eyes opened . Then he carried her over to the manse , followed by Faith , sobbing hysterically in her relief . `` She is just hungry , you know -- she did n't eat a thing to-day -- none of us did -- we were all fasting . '' `` Fasting ! '' said Mr. Meredith , and `` Fasting ? '' said the doctor . `` Yes -- to punish ourselves for singing Polly Wolly in the graveyard , '' said Faith . `` My child , I do n't want you to punish yourselves for that , '' said Mr. Meredith in distress . `` I gave you your little scolding -- and you were all penitent -- and I forgave you . '' `` Yes , but we had to be punished , '' explained Faith . `` It 's our rule -- in our Good-Conduct Club , you know -- if we do anything wrong , or anything that is likely to hurt father in the congregation , we HAVE to punish ourselves . We are bringing ourselves up , you know , because there is nobody to do it . ''
Mr. XXXXX groaned , but the doctor got up from Una 's side with an air of relief .
Clow Club Fasting Gilbert Meredith Una Wolly consciousness manse singing