The habit of living in a small place, feeling that all her actions were watched by the villagers and duly commented upon by them, had made her even more careful than she was by nature.

It would be very unwise to bring about a scene with Mrs.Goddard unless she were very sure of the result.

Mrs.Goddard was hardly a friend.

In Mrs.Ambrose's opinion an acquaintance of two years and a half standing involving almost daily meetings and the constant exchange of civilities did not constitute friendship.

Nevertheless the vicar's wife would have been ashamed to own that after such long continued intercourse she was wholly ignorant of Mrs.Goddard's real character; especially as the latter had requested the vicar to tell Mrs.Ambrose her story when she first appeared at Billingsfield.