“Then I’m afraid you are rash,” Helen rejoined with a resentment that was softened by a touch of humor.  “You can’t form a reliable opinion, because you don’t know me.”

“That’s so, but I know Bob.”

Helen laughed.  She ought to be angry, for Mrs. Charnock was taking an extraordinary line.  But perhaps it was the best line, because it would clear the ground.  She said nothing and Sadie went on: 

“How do you like it here?”

“Very much.  I like the open country and the fresh air.  Then I think I like the people, and one has so much to do that there is not time to feel moody.  It’s bracing to find every minute occupied by something useful.”

“If you feel that way about it, you’ll make good.  And you’ve got a fine man for your husband.  When Festing first came to the bridge I didn’t know if I’d take him or Bob.  In fact, I thought about it for quite a time.”

Helen’s eyes sparkled.  Mrs. Charnock was going too far, but she controlled her resentment.

“After all, were you not taking something for granted?”

“Well,” said Sadie thoughtfully, “if I’d tried hard, I might have got Steve then, but I don’t know if I’d have been any happier with him.  He’d have gone his own way and taken me along; a good way, perhaps, but it wouldn’t have been mine.  Bob’s different; sometimes he has to be hustled and sometimes led, but you get fond of a man you must take care of.  Then everybody likes Bob, and he kind of grows on you.  I don’t know how it is, but you can’t get mad with him.”

Helen thought there was something humiliating to Bob in his wife’s patience, but she was moved.  Mrs. Charnock loved her husband, though she knew his faults.  Then Sadie resumed in a harder voice: 

“Anyhow, he’s mine and I know how to keep what belongs to me.”

“I imagine you will keep him.  I have no wish to take him away.”

“Well, that’s why I came.  I wanted to see you, and now I’m satisfied.  Bob needs a friend like your husband and he puts Steve pretty high.  If you can see your way to let us drive over now and then evenings——­”

Helen pondered this.  Stephen might object, but he was not unreasonable, and his society would certainly be good for Bob.  She was not altogether pleased by the thought of the Charnocks’ visits, but Sadie’s resolve to help her husband had touched her.  Then there was something flattering in the hint that she and Stephen could take a part in his reformation.

“Very well,” she said.  “I hope you will come when you like.  It will do Stephen no harm to get a rest instead of hurrying back to work after supper.”

Sadie looked grateful.  “We’ll certainly come.  I’ve talked to you as I’d have talked to nobody else, but you know Bob most as well as I do.  But perhaps there’s enough said.  Won’t you show me the house?”