Ethel sighed. Denborough's disapproval was no doubt a matter of indifference to Dale Bannister: it meant loss of bread and butter to James Roberts and his house.
Meanwhile Dale Bannister, all unconscious of the dread determinations of the Vicar, pursued his way in cheerful unconcern. People came and went. Arthur Angell returned to his haunts rather dissatisfied with the quiet of Littlehill, but rejoicing to have found in the Doctor one thorough-going believer. Mrs. Hodge, her daughter, and Philip Hume seemed to be permanent parts of the household. Riding was their chief amusement. They would pass down High Street, Dale on his ancient mare, with Nellie and Philip by his side, laughing and talking merrily, Dale's own voice being very audible as he pointed out, with amusement a trifle too obvious to be polite, what struck him as remarkable in Denborough ways of life.
Philip, however, whom Mr. Delane had described to his wife as the only apparently sane person at Littlehill, was rather uneasy in his mind about Roberts.
"You'll get that fellow disliked, Dale," he said one morning, "if you don't take care."
"I? What have I to do with it?" asked Dale.
"They'll think him unsafe, if they see him with you."
"He needn't come unless he likes. He's not a bad fellow, only he takes everything so precious seriously."
"He thinks you do, judging by your books."
"Oh, I do by fits. By the way, I have a fit now! Behold, I will write! Nellie! Where's Nellie?"
Nellie Fane came at his call.