"Ruffie would," responded Anstice lightly; "he never forgets you in his prayers."
"But what would you have felt?" persisted Justin.
"Look here," said Anstice, dimpling, but though smiling, speaking firmly, "I must ask you to keep all personalities out of our talk. You are, as you know, almost a complete stranger to me, and I to you. We can be friendly without bringing in any personal touch. I have faithfully kept to my bargain. I expect you to keep to yours."
Justin's brows contracted, then he smiled.
"I will remember. But I am in my own house, and I don't want to be continually snubbed, and made to feel my place!"
"I have no intention of doing anything of that sort," said Anstice in a shocked voice. "I hope I shall never forget that you are the master of the Manor, and the father of your children."
"And your husband," murmured Justin, but he took care that his words did not reach her.
Justin went into his smoking-room after dinner, and did not join his wife in the drawing-room until she was about to retire for the night. He stood beside her silently for a moment, then suddenly put his hand on her shoulder.
"I have always from a boy found it difficult to express my thanks to anyone, but I would now thank you for all you have done in my absence. It must have cost you a good deal of time and strength and effort—may I say patience?—to have worked such changes amongst my belongings. And I am duly grateful."
His gravity and sincerity of tone touched Anstice.