For someone as observant as Effy Stonem would like to believe herself, it isn't difficult to discern the difference between serious and busy work. Although it can be argued that, in a way, all work on the island could be considered busy work, work meant to occupy and work meant to distract is not the same. She guesses that Ishiah is engaging in the latter.

"Why?" She asks, if only out of curiosity — will he tell the truth or make up some excuse?