“I should expect Miss Dalton to think of that.”

Muriel smiled. “Perhaps not. Well, I imagine it's lucky Charnock released her; Helen is much too good for him. I suppose you thought you took the proper line in laying all the stress you could upon the hardships?”

“I did. I thought she couldn't stand the strain she would have had to bear.”

“How did she take that?”

“She seemed surprised, as if she didn't think it much of a reason for Charnock letting her go.”

“Frankly, I don't think it was.”

“You haven't been to Canada. The life is hard.”

“It doesn't seem to have broken down your health or nerve.”

“That's different. A man gets used to hardships and discomfort. They're sometimes bracing.”

“A very masculine attitude! Then men alone have pluck and endurance?”