“And, of course, that is all that matters,” said Clara witheringly.
He rubbed his head, rather perplexed, rather annoyed.
“I suppose it matters more than her cleverness,” he said; “which, after all, would never get her to heaven.”
“It’s not heaven she wants to get—it’s her fair share on earth,” retorted Clara. She spoke as if he were responsible for some deprivation which Miss Bonford suffered.
“Well,” he said, “I thought she was warm, and awfully nice—only too frail. I wished she was sitting comfortably in peace——”
“ ‘Darning her husband’s stockings,’ ” said Clara scathingly.
“I’m sure she wouldn’t mind darning even my stockings,” he said. “And I’m sure she’d do them well. Just as I wouldn’t mind blacking her boots if she wanted me to.”
But Clara refused to answer this sally of his. He talked to Miriam for a little while. The other woman held aloof.
“Well,” he said, “I think I’ll go and see Edgar. Is he on the land?”
“I believe,” said Miriam, “he’s gone for a load of coal. He should be back directly.”
“Then,” he said, “I’ll go and meet him.”
Miriam dared not propose anything for the three of them. He rose and left them.
On the top road, where the gorse was out, he saw Edgar walking lazily beside the mare, who nodded her white-starred forehead as she dragged the clanking load of coal. The young farmer’s face lighted up as he saw his friend. Edgar was good-looking, with dark, warm eyes. His clothes were old and rather disreputable, and he walked with considerable pride.
“Hello!” he said, seeing Paul bareheaded. “Where are you going?”
“Came to meet you. Can’t stand ‘Nevermore.’ ”
Edgar’s teeth flashed in a laugh of amusement.
“Who is ‘Nevermore’?” he asked.
“The lady—Mrs. Dawes—it ought to be Mrs. The Raven that quothed ‘Nevermore.’ ”
Edgar laughed with glee.
“Don’t you like her?” he asked.
“Not a fat lot,” said Paul. “Why, do you?”
“No!” The answer came with a deep ring of conviction. “No!” Edgar pursed up his lips. “I can’t say she’s much in my line.” He mused a little. Then: “But why do you call her ‘Nevermore’?” he asked.
