But the squire was not to be got at so easily, for the vicar's wife was of a fine presence and covered much ground.

John involuntarily thought of the dyke before Troy, of Hector and his heroes attempting to storm it and of the Ajaces and Sarpedon defending it and glaring down from above.

He could appreciate Hector's feelings--Mrs.Ambrose was very like the dyke.
The squire smiled serenely and smoothed his hair as he talked to Mrs.
Goddard and she herself looked by no means discontented, thereby adding, as it were, an insult to the injury done to John.
"I shall always envy you the cottage," the squire was saying.

"I have not a single room in the Hall that is half so cheery in the evening." "I shall never forget my terror when we first met," answered Mrs.
Goddard, "do you remember?
You frightened me by saying you would like to live here.

I thought you meant it." "You must have thought I was the most unmannerly of barbarians." "Instead of being the best of landlords," added Mrs.Goddard with a grateful smile.
"I hardly know whether I am that," said Mr.Juxon, settling himself in his chair.