"Is that where you put us?—We'd find our lives jolly dull if we shut ourselves up in that set. I can tell you that I've enjoyed myself far more here to-day than ever at the Court or the Rectory. Besides, Miss Godden, your position on Walland Marsh is very much better than ours. You're a great personage, you know."
"Reckon folks talk about me," said Joanna proudly. "Maybe you've heard 'em."
He nodded.
"You've heard about me and Arthur Alce?"
"I've heard some gossip."
"Don't you believe it. I'm fond of Arthur, but he ain't my style—and I could do better for myself ..."
She paused—her words seemed to hang in the flickering warmth of the room. She was waiting for him to speak, and he felt a little shocked and repelled. She was angling for him—he had never suspected that.
"I must go," he said, standing up.
"So soon?"
"Yes—tradition sends one home on Christmas Day."