Rowcliffe continued, regardless of the Vicar's stare: "She's better off as she is than tied to a chap who isn't a bit too sober. Especially if he doesn't care for her."
The Vicar rose and took up his usual defensive position on the hearth.
"Well, Dr. Rowcliffe, if those are your ideas of morality——?"
"They are not my ideas of morality, only my judgment of the individual case."
"Well—if that's your judgment, after all, I think that the less you meddle with it the better."
"I never meddle," said Rowcliffe.
But the Vicar did not leave him. He had caught the sound of the opening and shutting of the gate. He listened.
His manner changed again to a complete affability.
"I think that's Alice. I should like you to see her. If you—"
Rowcliffe gathered that the entrance of Alice had better coincide with his departure. He followed the Vicar as he went to open the front door.