"What may one see?" asked the vicar quickly.
"I did not say one could see anything," answered his wife. "But from your manner I infer that there really is something to see. Wait a minute--what can it be?"
"Nothing--my dear, nothing," said the vicar desperately.
"Oh, Augustin, I know you so well," said the implacable Mrs. Ambrose. "I am quite sure now, that it is something I have seen. Deny it, my dear."
The vicar was silent and bit his long upper lip as he marched up and down the room.
"Of course--you cannot deny it," she continued. "It is perfectly clear. The very first day he arrived--when you came down from the Hall, in the evening--Augustin, I have got it! It is Mrs. Goddard--now don't tell me it is not. I am quite sure it is Mrs. Goddard. How stupid of me! Is it not Mrs. Goddard?"
"If you are so positive," said the vicar, resorting to a form of defence generally learned in the nursery, "why do you ask me?"
"I insist upon knowing, Augustin, is it, or is it not, Mrs. Goddard?"
"My dear, I positively refuse to answer any more questions," said the vicar with tardy firmness.
"Oh, it is no matter," retorted Mrs. Ambrose in complete triumph, "if it were not Mrs. Goddard of course you would say so at once."