And so it went on. And the string, laughing and talking, gradually disappeared diminuendo in the distance towards Bursley.
"I suppose you know you've done it this time?" observed Mrs. Prockter.
It was a dark saying, but James fully understood it. He felt as though he had drunk champagne. "As well be hung for a sheep as a lamb!" he said to himself. And deliberately squeezed the royal arm.
Nothing violent happened. He had rather expected the heavens to fall, or that at least Mrs. Prockter would exclaim: "Unhand me, monster!" But nothing violent happened.
"And this is me, James Ollerenshaw!" he said to himself, still squeezing.
CHAPTER XXV
GIRLISH CONFIDENCES
One afternoon Sarah Swetnam called, and Helen in person opened the great door to the visitor.