Mrs. Ann who suspected what had been the result of this court-martial was disposed towards pity, but John retired to a corner and a book and slipped away to bed early.  Penalties he had suffered at school, but this was a terrible experience, and now he was to let the other boys know that the swimming-pool was closed for a week.  At breakfast he made believe to be contented in mind, and asked in his best manner if his uncle had any errands for him in Westways or at the mills.  When the Captain said no and remarked further that if he wished to walk, he would find the wood-roads cooler than the highway John expressed himself grateful for his advice with such a complete return of his formal manner as came near to unmasking the inner amusement which the Squire was getting from the evident annoyance he was giving Mrs. Ann, who thought that he was needlessly irritating a boy who to her mind was hurt and sore.

“Come, Leila,” she said rising.  “We may meet you in the village, John; and do get your hair cut, and see Mr. Spooner and tell him—­no, I will write it.”

John was pleased to feel that he had other reasons for visiting Westways than his uncle’s order.  He went down the avenue whistling, and in no hurry.

Leila had some dim comprehension of John’s state of mind.  Of Billy and of the Squire’s court-martial she had heard from Mrs. Ann, and although that lady said little, the girl very well knew that her aunt thought her husband had been too severe.  She stood on the porch, vaguely troubled for this comrade, and watched him as he passed from view, taking a short cut through the trees.  The girl checked something like a sob as she went into the house.

It was the opinion of the county that Mrs. Penhallow was a right good woman and masterful; but of Leila the judgment of the village was that she was just sweet through and through.  The rector said she radiated the good-nature of perfect health.  What more there was time would show.  Westways knew well these two young people, and Leila was simply Leila to nearly every one.  “Quite time,” reflected Mrs. Ann, “that she was Miss Leila.”  As she went with her through the town there were pleasant greetings, until at last they came to the butcher’s.  Mr. Pole, large after the way of his craft, appeared in a white apron.  “Well, now, how you do grow, Leila.”

“Not enough yet,” said Leila.

“Fine day, Mrs. Penhallow.”  He was a little uneasy, divining her errand.

“Now, Pole, before I make a permanent change to the butcher at the mills, I wish to say that it is because a pound of beef weighs less at Grey Pine than in your shop.”

At this time John was added to the hearers, being in search of William Pole with the Squire’s order about the swimming.  He waited until his aunt should be through.  He was a little amused, which on the whole was, just then, good for him.

“Now ma’am, after all these years you won’t drop me like that.”