As if by accident, therefore, they drifted out of the house, and on Sarah’s appearance were to be found sitting on rails or pig-sty walls, or leaning in graceful attitudes against the porch. Sarah could not see them, but Simon could, and divided a scowl of dislike amongst the lot. The Thornthwaites were actually settled in the trap when Eliza came bustling after them into the yard. It was such a different Eliza, however, that at first it looked as if the audience were to be cheated of their scene. The virulent harridan of ten minutes ago had vanished as if she had never been. This Eliza was hearty, smiling, serene, the smooth-faced, smooth-tongued mocker which Sarah detested most. Even her hair and dress, lately dishevelled by rage, were now as tidy and sleek as the fur of a well-brushed cat. She came to a halt close beside the wheel, and Sarah started when she heard her speak. "So you’re off, are you, Sarah? Ay, well, you’ll be best at home! I reckon our Sally’s right, and you’re not yourself at all. Mind and see doctor again, first thing as ever you can. It’s a bad sign, they say, to go making up fancy tales. Folks as get telling lies is framing for softening of the brain." Will looked back with a frown as he hurried on to open the gate. "We’ve had enough o’ that, missis!" he called sharply. "Just you let Sarah be!" Mrs. Will tossed her head, but managed to preserve her compassionate air. "Losh, master!" she reproached him loudly. "You’ve no call to speak so sharp. I’m meaning kindly enough by poor Sarah here, I’m sure! She’s welcome to tell lies till they turn her black in the face, but it isn’t healthy for her, all the same. I shouldn’t like to see poor Sarah in Garland’s Asylum, or some such spot as yon. Ay, well, we’ll be having her close at hand afore so long, and then we can do our best for her ourselves!" Sarah started a second time when she said that, and the pig-sty audience brightened and pricked its ears. Simon muttered an oath and pulled at the horse until it sidled and backed, forcing the subtle tormentor to retreat. "You stand back, missis," he cried angrily, waving a threatening whip, "and take your long tongue with you, or it’ll be tripping us in t’road!" There was a burst of laughter at this show of wit, and Eliza flared instantly into open war. She raised her voice after the departing pair, stepping back heavily upon Elliman’s feet. "You’ll have to speak different from that, Mr. Thornthet," she called shrilly, "if you’re coming to Blindbeck to act as our hired man!" The laughter broke out again, and then stopped, cut short. Simon, red to the ears, raised the whip violently above the horse’s back, but it was checked before it descended by Sarah’s outstretched hand. "Bide a minute, Simon," she said quietly. "Just hold on. What’s Eliza meaning to say by that?"