CHAPTER VII.
Mrs.Goddard did not mean to walk home with John; but on the other hand she did not mean to walk with the squire.

She revolved the matter in her mind as she sat in the library talking in an undertone with Mr.Juxon.
She liked the great room, the air of luxury, the squire's tea and the squire's conversation.

It is worth noticing that his flow of talk was more abundant to-day than it had been for some time; whether it was John's presence which stimulated Mr.Juxon's imagination, or whether Mrs.Goddard had suddenly grown more interesting since John Short's appearance it is hard to say; it is certain that Mr.Juxon talked better than usual.
The afternoon, however, was far spent and the party had only come to make a short visit.

Mrs.Goddard rose from her seat.
"Nellie, child, we must be going home," she said, calling to the little girl who was still absorbed in the book of engravings which she had taken to the window to catch the last of the waning light.
John started and came forward with alacrity.

The vicar looked up; Nellie reluctantly brought her book back.
"It is very early," objected the squire.