Then, as the days got longer, he had gradually grown careless, contenting himself with changing his jacket and half an hour's talk, until at length he sat down to the meal in dusty overalls and hurried off afterwards.

Helen had tried to make excuses for him, but felt hurt all the same.

Stephen was getting slovenly and neglecting her.
"It's plain that you must take off those muddy overalls," she said.
They went back, and supper was delayed while Festing changed.

He forced himself to be polite when he joined his guests, but it cost him something, and the dishes Helen had carefully prepared were spoiled.
On the whole, he felt grateful to Sadie and Bob, who kept the others in good-humor and relieved him from the necessity of leading the talk; but he was glad when they left.
When the rigs melted into the shadowy plain he stood on the veranda and yawned.
"Well," he remarked, "that's over, and it will be some time before they need come back.

I hope none of them will think they have to ask us out in return." "You gave them a very plain hint," Helen said bitterly.
Festing did not answer and went into the house.