"I can tell you one thing," said her mother, as if she had not told her anything. "It was those books you read. That everlasting philosophy. He said it was answerable for the whole thing."
"Then it was the—the whole thing he hated."
"I suppose so," her mother said, dismissing a matter of small interest.
"You'd better change that skirt if you're going with me to Mrs. Waugh's."
"Do you mind if I go for a walk instead?"
"Not if it makes you any more contented."
"It might. Are you sure you don't mind?"
"Oh, go along with you!"
Her mother was pleased. She was always pleased when she scored a point against philosophy.
III.
Mr. and Mrs. Belk were coming along High Row. She avoided them by turning down the narrow passage into Mr. Horn's yard and the Back Lane. From the Back Lane you could get up through the fields to the school-house lane without seeing people.