“God Almighty hides away a great many beautiful things,” answered Mr. Churchouse.  “There are many beautiful things in our literature and our flora and fauna that are never admired.”

“So much the worse.  When our fauna blossoms out in the shape of a lovely girl, it ought to be seen and give pleasure to thousands.”

Ernest smiled.

“I don’t think Sabina has any ambition to give pleasure to thousands.  She is a young woman of very fine temper, with a dignified sense of her own situation and an honest pride in her own dexterity.”

“Engaged to be married, of course?”

“I think not.  She and her mother are my very good friends.  Had any betrothal taken place, I feel sure I should have heard of it.”

“Do ring for her, Mr. Churchouse, and let me look at her again.  Does she know how good-looking she is?”

“Youth!  Youth!  Yes, not being a fool, she knows she is well-favoured—­much as you do, no doubt.  I mean that you cannot shave yourself every morning without being conscious that you are in the Greek mould.  I could show you the engraving of a statue by Praxiteles which is absurdly like you.  But this accident of nature has not made you vain.”

“Me!  Good Lord!”

Raymond laughed long.

“Do not be puffed up,” continued Mr. Churchouse, “for, with charm, you combine to a certain extent the Greek vacuity.  There are no lines upon your brow.  You don’t think enough.”

“Don’t I, by Jove!  I’ve been thinking a great deal too much lately.  I’ve had a headache once.”

“Lack of practice, my dear boy.  Sabina, being a woman of observation and intelligence, is no doubt aware of the fact that she is unusually personable.  But she has brains and knows exactly what importance to attach to such an accident.  If you want to learn what spinning means, she will be able to teach you.”

“Every cloud has a silver lining, apparently,” said Raymond, and when Sabina returned, Ernest introduced him.

The girl was clad in black with a white apron.  She wore no cap.

“This is Mr. Raymond Ironsyde, Sabina, and he’s coming to learn all about the Mill before long.”

Raymond began to rattle away and Sabina, without self-consciousness, listened to him, laughed at his jests and answered his questions.

Mr. Churchouse gazed at them benevolently through his glasses.  He came unconsciously under the influence of their joy of life.

Their conversation also pleased him, for it struck a right note—­the note which he considered was seemly between employer and employed.  He did not know that youth always modifies its tone in the presence of age, and that those of ripe years never hear the real truth concerning the opinions of the younger generation.

When Raymond left for home and Mr. Churchouse walked out to the gate with him, Sabina peeped out of the kitchen window which commanded the entrance, and her face was lighted with very genuine animation and interest.