"Don't be sure of that. I was a lot of use once. I might again."
Mrs. Stanbury was mildly surprised.
"Seeing David's good sense and patience, I won't say 'tis impossible to do anything. But David be David, and even if he had the will to alter, how can he do it, more'n the leopard his spots? There's nothing you can put your hand upon and say 'there's the evil'; and yet 'tis clear enough. They've drifted apart through having no family. 'Tis all said in that word."
Mr. Crocker sighed and felt a moment of real sorrow.
"If she'd married me," he said, "'twould have saved us both a lot of bother."
The other did not answer and they proceeded some distance silently.
Then he turned the conversation to Mrs. Stanbury herself.
"This is telling on you too. You're not all you might be, I'm sure. I wish it was in my power to do you a good turn."
"Like you to say it. Many have to thank you for a good turn. But 'tis outside human strength to help me. I've run against the Powers of Darkness; I've heard Crazywell tell how my husband is to go inside the year."
"Does he believe it?"