"Why should you think that?" she replied. "It would be impossible for people not constantly to come against each other in a small place like this."
"May I come with you now? You seem very busy."
"You can come and help me if you feel inclined. I always have a great deal to do at these feasts; I have been at them for years, and know all about them, and the Rector invariably expects me to keep the ball going."
"What ball?"
"The ball of pleasure. Each hand must grasp it—everyone must be happy. That is the Hector's aim and mine."
"I think it is your aim not only to-day, but every day."
"Yes, if I can manage it. I can't always."
"You could always make me very happy."
Beatrice turned her eyes and looked at him. Her look made him blush.
"You are mistaken when you say that," she responded, in a grave tone. "You are not the sort of person to be made happy by a simple country girl like me. The Northbury people only need small things, and many times it is within my power to supply their desires. But you are different. You would not be content with small things."