ter seemed to
find him agreeable enough, she had never to Mrs. Ambrose's knowledge
given him any of those open encouragements in the way of smiles and
signals, which in the good lady's mind were classified under the term
"flirting." Mrs. Ambrose's ideas of flirtation may have been antiquated;
thirty years of Billingsfield in the society of the Reverend Augustin had
not contributed to their extension; but, on the whole, they were just.
Mrs. Goddard had not flirted with John. It is worthy of notice that in
proportion as the difficulties she would enter upon by demanding an
explanation from Mrs. Goddard seemed to grow in magnitude, she gradually
arrived at the conclusion that it was John's fault. Half an hour ago, in
the flush of triumph she had indignantly denied that anything could be
John's fault. She now resolved to behave to him with great austerity.
Such an occurrence as his falling in love could not be passed over with
indifference. It seemed best that he should leave Billingsfield very
soon.

John thought so too. Existence would not be pleasant now that the vicar
knew his secret, and he cursed the folly and curiosity which had led him
to betray himself in order to find out whether Mr. Juxon thought of
marrying Mrs. Goddard. He had now resolved to return to Cambridge at once
and to work his hardest until the Tripos was over. He would then come
back to Billingsfield and, with his honours fresh upon him and the
prospect of immediate success before him, he would throw himself at Mrs.
Goddard's feet. But of course he must have one farewell interview. Oh,
those farewell interviews! Those leave-takings, wherein often so much is
taken without leave!

Accordingly at luncheon he solemnly announced his intention of leaving
the vicarage on the morrow. Mrs. Ambrose received the news with an
equanimity which made John suspicious, for she had heretofore constantly
pressed him to extend his holiday, expressing the greatest solicitude for
his health. She now sat stony as a statue and said very coldly that she
was sorry he had to go so soon, but that, of course, it could not be
helped. The vicar was moved by his wife's apparent indifference. John, he
said, might at least have stayed till the end of the promised week; but
at this suggestion Mrs. Ambrose darted at her husband a look so full of
fierce meaning, that the vicar relapsed into silence, returning to the
consideration of bread and cheese and a salad of mustard and cress. Joh