"That is its character," said Mrs. Armadale.
"Especially in winter, I suppose?"
"Well, it allays was quiet, since I've known it," the old lady went on. "They've got a hotel now for strangers, down at the Point—but that ain't the village."
"And the hotel is empty now," added Lois.
"What does the village do, to amuse itself, in these quiet winter days and nights?"
"Nothing," said Charity.
"Really? Are there no amusements? I never heard of such a place."
"I don't know what you mean by amusements," Mrs. Armadale took up the subject. "I think, doin' one's work is the best amusement there is. I never wanted no other."
"Does the old proverb not hold good then in Shampuashuh, of 'All work and no play'—you know? The consequences are said to be disastrous."
"No," said Lois, laughing, "it does not hold good. People are not dull here. I don't mean that they are very lively; but they are not dull."