he
roast sirloin was done to the last perfect minute, and the Yorkshire
pudding deliciously brown and light; the table was set without a flaw or
a "forget," and the fire and light just as they should be. There was no
obvious outlet for her annoyance, and it took away her appetite and made
her silent.

John tried various interesting public topics--topics she had been eager
about; but every allusion to them at this hour was scornfully received.
Then he made a social effort. "I met Miss Phyllis Broadbent today,
mother," he said.

"Where did you meet her?"

"She was walking past the mill."

"Waiting for you--and I'll warrant it."

"I would not say that much, mother. She was out collecting for the new
cooking-school. She said she wanted to see you very much."

"And pray what for is she wanting to see me? I am not related to her. I
owe her nothing. I'm not going to give her anything and I don't want to
see her."

"I suppose she wants your help in this new charity she has on hand. She
was very polite, and sent you all kinds of good wishes. There is no harm
in good wishes, is there?"

"I'm not so sure of that. If Miss Phyllis gives her good wishes, there's
no harm in them, but--but I don't want to buy them at any price. I'll
tell you what it is, John--"

But she never told him at that hour, for as she spoke Harry Hatton
opened the door and looked in. "I am wet--dripping wet, mother," he
said. "The mizzling rain turned to a downpour when I was halfway up the
hill, but I will be ready for dinner in twenty minutes."

"And I am not going to keep beef and pudding on the table twenty minutes
for you, Harry."

"That's right, mother. I don't deserve it. Send it to the kitchen. I'll
have some partridge and pastry when I come down."

He was gone before his mother's answer could leave her lips; but there
was a light in her eyes and a tone in her voice that made her a
different woman as she said, "We will not talk of Miss Lugur tonight,
John. There is plenty else to talk about. She is non-essential, and I
believe in the man who said, 'Skip the non-essentials.'"

This proposal was carried out with all John's wisdom and kindness. He
kept the conversation on the mill or on subjects relating to Harry's
proposed journey until there was a sudden silence which for a moment or
two no one appeared able to break. It was Mrs. Hatton who did so, and
with a woman's instinct she plunged at once into a subject too sacred to
dispute.