But Mrs.Goddard remained standing an unreasonably long time, for the very reason that she did not choose to sit beside either of them.

Seeing this the squire, who had perhaps a greater experience than his adversary in this kind of strategic warfare, left his place and put himself on the same side as John.

He argued that Mrs.Goddard would probably then choose the opposite side, whereas John who was younger would think she would come towards the two where they stood; John would consequently lose time, Mr.Juxon would cross again and install himself by her side while his enemy was hesitating.
While these moves and counter-moves were proceeding, the conversation was general.

The vicar was for the hundredth time admiring the Andrea del Sarto over the chimney-piece and his wife was explaining her general objections to the representation of sacred subjects upon canvas, while Mrs.Goddard answered each in turn and endeavoured to disagree with neither.

What the squire had foreseen when he made his last move, however, actually took place at last.