“The regeneration of the land, the amelioration of rural conditions, a clean sweep of—us.”
She laughed, exhibiting no trace of malice. Moxon perceived, none the less, that he was challenged. He answered her quietly—
“I never said that to Pomfret.”
“You must be mistaken.”
“I am positive.”
“I have it. You talked to Miss Hamlin and her father.”
“Oh yes.”
“Miss Hamlin repeated what she heard to Mr. Pomfret. Perhaps she failed to report to you quite accurately.”
Moxon hastened to defend Joyce. Inaccuracy was not her weakness. His views were public property. He repudiated warmly any desire upon his part to sweep away anything of value. Margot was constrained to withdraw the last indictment.
“All the same, Mr. Moxon—ought I to call you ‘Professor’?”