"Oh, no, sir--I wouldn't be so foolish as to think so."
They had tea at a pastry-cook's in complete silence, and they were half-way home again before Mavis ventured to rouse her husband from his ominous gloom.
"Will," she said, with an assumption of calmness and confidence, "I didn't at once catch the drift of what you were saying to Mr. Cleaver, and when I tried to stop you it was because I was all on edge from hearing such a tremendous piece of news. Such a lot more than ever I could have dreamed of."
He did not answer. Steadily watching the horse's ears, and holding the reins in both hands with the conscientious care of an unpractised coachman, he drove down the slope to the Cross Roads and round the corner into the woods.
"No, but I soon saw what was passing through your mind, Will. You wanted to make quite sure that there would be nothing to cause talk. I don't myself believe people would have really noticed if I had been the only one. But, of course, as I am one of several, it stands to reason nobody can say anything nasty."
Still he did not answer.
"Will, you'll let me take the money, won't you?"
"I don't know. I must think."
"Yes, dear, but you'll think sensibly, won't you? Think of the use--to both of us. If it's mine in name, I count it all as yours every bit as much as mine."
"That's enough now. Don't go on talking about it."
"All right. Are you going to stop at Mr. Bates'?"
"No."
"He was very pressing."
"I've no spirit to tell him--or any one else--what we've heard over there."
"Will," and she drew close to him, nestling against him as much as she could venture to do without causing him difficulty in driving, "you said we were to look forward, not back. Don't get thinking of the past. What's done is done--and it must be right to be happy if we can."
"Ah," and he gave a snort, "that's what the heathens used to say. I thought you were a Christian."
"So I am, Will. Christ preached mercy--yes, and happiness too."
"Thought He preached remorse for sins before you reach pardon and peace. But never mind religion--don't let's drag that in. And leave me alone. Don't talk. I tell you I want to think."
"Very well, dear. Only this one thing. Keep this before you. Now that he's dead--"