"Really, the days have no business to be so short." "It would not seem like Christmas if they were long," said Mrs.Goddard.
"It does not seem like Christmas anyhow," remarked John, enigmatically.
No one understood his observation and no one paid any attention to it.
Whereupon John's previous feeling of annoyance returned and he went to look for his greatcoat in the dark corner where he had laid it.
"You must not come all the way back with us," said Mrs.Goddard as they all went out into the hall and began to put on their warm things before the fire.

"Really--it is late.

Mr.Ambrose will give me his arm." The squire insisted however, and Stamboul, who had had a comfortable nap by the fire, was of the same opinion as his master and plunged wildly at the door.
"Will you give me your arm, Mr.Ambrose ?" said Mrs.Goddard, looking rather timidly at the vicar as they stood upon the broad steps in the sparkling evening air.

She felt that she was disappointing both the squire and John, but she had quite made up her mind.

She had her own reasons.