"Sometimes," said Anstice frankly; "but I have not had many other people to talk to. Mrs. Fergusson is charming, but I can get her but seldom—"
"She's improving those imps of girls: they're not half so wild as they were six months ago."
"They're all right. They want plenty of occupation. I believe they'll grow up into delightful young women."
A little silence fell between them. It was not often that Justin settled down to talk. He seemed to elude his opportunities, and somehow or other Anstice felt tongue-tied. She broke the silence by saying:
"As soon as the snow has cleared, I must get over and see poor Ellen Nixon. She does so love to see anyone."
"She will have to go without seeing you," said Justin a little sharply. "You must not think of wandering over the Fells again by yourself."
"But I have Hercules with me."
"He was not much good the other afternoon. In the summer-time, it is different, but in the winter, the mists descend very rapidly. You must confine your walks nearer home."
"I will choose a fine day."
"You will choose no day with my permission—you must postpone your long walks on the Fells till the spring."