“I’m not angry,” Festing rejoined.

“Well, I am,” said Helen.  “And I think I have some grounds.  Must I let those tipsy gossips dictate when I may see my friends?”

“Does it matter if you see them or not?  You don’t really care for Bob.”

“No,” said Helen, trying to be calm.  “In a way, I don’t care for Bob; that is, I’m glad I didn’t marry him.  But I don’t see why I should stop him coming here when Sadie wants to bring him.  She’s my friend, and she knows it does Bob good.  I’m too angry to flatter you, Stephen, but you have some influence—­”

Festing laughed.  “All the influence I’ve got won’t go far with Bob.  I don’t say the fellow’s vicious, but he’s an extravagant slacker and a fool, which is perhaps as bad.  Anyhow, if he can be reformed at all, it’s Sadie’s business, and I’ve no doubt she finds it an arduous job.  There’s no use in an outsider meddling, and your anxiety for his improvement might be misunderstood.  In fact, it has been seriously misunderstood.”

“You seem to have made up your mind about the matter,” Helen remarked with a curious look.

“I have.  Perhaps the easiest way would be for you to give Sadie a hint.”

“Suppose I refuse?”

“Then I shall have to talk to Bob.  After all, that might be better.”

Helen flushed, but her color faded and her face got white.  “You are willing to let this scurrilous gossip influence you as far as that?  Do you mean to forbid my friends coming to see me?”

“I won’t have Bob hanging round my house.  The wastrel has done you harm enough.”

“You forget something,” Helen rejoined in a strained, cold voice.  “The house is mine.”

She knew her mistake as she saw the change in Festing’s look, and weakly turned her head.  When she looked back it was too late.  His hands were clenched and his gaze was fixed.

“I—­I didn’t quite mean that,” she faltered.

“Anyhow, it’s true,” said Festing quietly.  “The farm is yours as well, and I admit you have no grounds for being satisfied with the way I’ve managed your property.  You won’t have much trouble in getting a better steward.”

Helen glanced at him, with a hint of fear.  “But I don’t want anybody else.  Do you mean to give up the farm?”

“Yes.  As soon as I can arrange things for you I’m going to British Columbia for a time.  I’ve been offered a railroad contract, and as it’s a job I know something about, I mayn’t fail at that.”

“And you will leave me alone to face this slander?”

“The remedy’s in your hands.  I’m powerless if you won’t use it.  I can’t forbid Bob coming here; you can.”

Helen hesitated.  It was unfortunate that both were in an abnormal mood.  They had borne some strain, and the shock of the disaster to the crop had left them with jangled nerves.  This clouded Helen’s judgment, but reenforced her pride.  She had meant well when she tried to help Sadie with Bob, and could not give way to her husband’s unreasonable prejudice.  This was a matter of principle.  She could help Bob and must not be daunted by vulgar gossip.