Page 978 - of-human-bondage-

‘Rather.’
He was tired and happy. After supper, balancing him-
self against the wall of the hut on a chair without a back,
he smoked his pipe and looked at the night. Sally was busy.
She passed in and out of the hut, and he lazily watched her
methodical actions. Her walk attracted his notice; it was
not particularly graceful, but it was easy and assured; she
swung her legs from the hips, and her feet seemed to tread
the earth with decision. Athelny had gone off to gossip with
one of the neighbours, and presently Philip heard his wife
address the world in general.
‘There now, I’m out of tea and I wanted Athelny to go
down to Mrs. Black’s and get some.’ A pause, and then her
voice was raised: ‘Sally, just run down to Mrs. Black’s and
get me half a pound of tea, will you? I’ve run quite out of it.’
‘All right, mother.’
Mrs. Black had a cottage about half a mile along the road,
and she combined the office of postmistress with that of
universal provider. Sally came out of the hut, turning down
her sleeves.
‘Shall I come with you, Sally?’ asked Philip.
‘Don’t you trouble. I’m not afraid to go alone.’
‘I didn’t think you were; but it’s getting near my bedtime,
and I was just thinking I’d like to stretch my legs.’
Sally did not answer, and they set out together. The road
was white and silent. There was not a sound in the summer
night. They did not speak much.
‘It’s quite hot even now, isn’t it?’ said Philip.
‘I think it’s wonderful for the time of year.’