"I had to go to Halkett's Farm," he explained.
"Who's ill there?" she asked sharply.
"The housekeeper."
"I hadn't heard. Is she very ill?"
"She may be."
"Then I hope she'll die," she said in a low voice.
"My dear!" He was startled into the words, and they made her laugh openly for joy of knowing they were ready on his tongue. Lightly she swayed towards him, but he held her off.
"No, no, my heart." He turned deliberately from her. "Why do you wish that?"
"Because of Miriam. She ought to die."
"I'm afraid she won't. She's pretty tough."