Anstice laughed her low laugh of amusement, her dimples coming into play.
"That is the tone you use towards Josie or Georgie. I am unaccustomed to be given orders."
"If you are a reasonable woman, you will respect my wishes. It is for your own sake, though perhaps you'll credit me with the selfish desire of saving myself from anxiety and a long tramp to bring you back again."
"That is altogether unnecessary."
"It was not unnecessary the other afternoon."
"No," said Anstice gently, "I am very grateful to you for all you did for me. Well, if I must forgo visiting the poor old Nixons all the winter, who is going to do it? The Rector is not strong enough. I am more fit to do it than he."
"I may get over myself from time to time."
Tea appeared at this juncture. Justin roused himself. He waited upon his wife assiduously, insisted upon pouring out the tea himself, as her right arm was still in a sling, and left the subject of the Fells in winter time alone. Anstice, wishing to interest him in other people, began telling him about Louise.
He listened with a semblance of interest, but in reality was rather bored.
When she told him that Louise was now happy working as secretary in the school which Mrs. Fergusson had recommended, he said: