"Of course not. Yet I'm sure you miss him." "Yes, I do." "I never could see much in the man myself." "You wouldn't. You'd never understand why anybody could overpay you for your house. To you that would be a fool's trick. No doubt you despise him for paying more for a thing than 'twas worth." He laughed and shook his head. "Oh no, Sarah Jane. That didn't surprise me at all, I assure you. He had his reasons. It suited--his health very well. 'Twas money well spent from his point of view; and well earned from mine. A lucky man--a very lucky man." She disliked his tone with its suggestion of insolent superiority. He leant over and patted her shoulder, whereupon she started indignantly away. "Needn't be cross with me, my dear," he said. "Why, bless your life, I feel that intimate--however, since you're not in an amiable mood seemingly, I'll go my way. Give my respects to Daniel. He's calling out for rain, I suppose." She stopped and turned on him almost fiercely. "Why for wouldn't you let me be godmother to your li'l girl?" "Oh--that's it! What the mischief did Mary want to tell you that for? No offence, no offence at all, and you mustn't take it so. The reason--and yet I'm not sure if you'd understand. You're so out of the common, you know--such a large mind--so--how shall I put it now? 'Tis the difference betwixt you and your husband--the difference in your way of thinking. I'm a Christian man, Sarah Jane; but you--I ban't quite sure that you're a Christian woman; so all's said. But don't be angry about it; and don't tell Daniel, for 'twill only hurt his feelings, you see." "Don't you think it. He can read me like print, and he knows I'm a better pattern of Christian than what you be, anyway. 'Tis a slight you've put on me--not that I care a straw what you think of me." He shrugged his shoulders. "Why should you care? But I wouldn't hurt you for anything, Sarah Jane--much too fond of you for that. I know your virtues--nobody better. If you'd like to be god-mother, you shall, bless your large heart! And don't try to quarrel with me, because I'll never let you. Them beautiful eyes--they make the sky ashamed these cold days!" He rode away before she could answer, and left her in doubt of his meaning. The words he said were nothing, but the easy familiarity of his tone exasperated her. She determined with herself that now, even if pressed to be his child's godmother, she would refuse. And Jarratt Weekes, returning to Lydford, met another of the Ruddyford folk. He was passing with a nod, when John Prout stopped him. The ponies rubbed noses, and then Prout turned and rode for a while beside the other. "Funny I should chance on you," said Jarratt. "I've just been having speech along with Sarah Jane Brendon. 'Tis the salt of life to me to see that woman carry her lovely head so high--knowing what I know."