"Won't you have another cup? It's only half a crown."
"Yes, two more, please. Do you think she will?"
"How thirsty you seem to be!"
"Will she?"
"Now, Mr. Bannister, I mustn't neglect all my customers. See, Mrs. Gilkison is selling nothing."
"But will she?"
"Certainly not—unless you go and buy something from Mrs. Gilkison."
Now whether Janet were really concerned for Mrs. Gilkison, or whether she had caught sight of Captain Ripley's lowering countenance, or whether she merely desired to avoid pledging herself to Dale, it is immaterial, and also impossible to say. Dale felt himself dismissed, with the consolation of perceiving that his dedication had not been unfavorably received in the quarter to which it was addressed.
Accordingly it was in a cheerful frame of mind that he set out for home, scattering most of his purchases among the children before he went.
He was in a kindly mood, and when he saw James Roberts coming up High Street, he did not, as he had once or twice lately, cross the road to avoid meeting him, but held on his path, determined to offer a friendly greeting.