But Solomon knew.
Within five minutes, Susan Yellam entered, bringing with her an exhilarating atmosphere of keen, fresh air. Her cheeks were red; her eyes sparkled.
"Frost be coming, and maybe snow. I likes to see God A'mighty's world white and clean come Christmastide."
The old woman bustled about cheerfully, commanding Fancy to sit still. She had brought with her a fat hen-pheasant, a gift from the Squire to Alfred's wife.
"Folks are very kind," said Fancy.
"Ah, well, 'tis easy to be kind when we be happy. Captain Pomfret walked wi' one crutch to-day. And they be drinking champagne for dinner. 'Tis the work o' that Lunnon doctor, so they say, a very wonnerful chap wi' electrics, bridlin' the lightnin', so to speak. And they perfarms miracles wi' men's faces, manufacturin' noses and what-not just so easy as pats o' butter. Such fellers must be proud o' theirselves."
"Maybe Mr. Hamlin'll return thanks in church, next Sunday."
"More'n likely. I never thought o' that."
"I wonder," said Fancy, "how it all comes to them, inventions, such as wireless and—and chloroform as takes away pain."
Mrs. Yellam chided her, very pleasantly: