Janet blazed. What was a governess for if Gladys was to order the child about? She knew that for peace and a quiet life it would be better to remain silent, but on the other hand she wanted opportunities to show Donald she intended to earn her salary. No wonder he grudged paying it if he thought Gladys Batten was going to do half her work. She had no real views on a child’s behaviour at meals, but she had Maggie’s upbringing to quote.

“I don’t want to start new ways too soon, but I believe that no conversation leads to eating too fast, and that means indigestion later on.”

“Do you?” Gladys’ voice was quiet. “How interesting, but I think we won’t change my methods with Iris.”

Janet’s chin shot up, and a biting retort was on the tip of her tongue when she felt a kick on her ankle. She looked up, and Donald gave her a slight frown and a gentle shake of the head. If ever gestures said “For goodness’ sake be a pal and don’t stir up trouble,” his did. Once more Janet felt utterly at sea. How could a man be so rude and truculent with you one minute, and in the next take you so into his confidence! His look won her; it was a hard struggle, but she let Gladys’ statement pass in silence.

The rest of the meal there was spasmodic conversation, mostly about farm and local matters, each topic started by Gladys and chosen to make Janet feel a stranger. When the suet and fruit pudding arrived there was a further small argument, but Janet had no share in it. Donald, having helped Iris, picked up the sugar-bowl and shook a heaped spoon on to her plate.

“Do be careful, Donald,” Gladys said. “ Iris doesn’t need all that; sugar in this house should be kept for you. You’re the heavy worker.”

“Oh!” thought Janet. “So that’s what the sugar’s saved for!”

Donald was annoyed, but he almost hid it.

“Nonsense, children come first, don’t they, Iris?”

Iris looked anxiously out of the corners of her eyes at Gladys. “It’s on my plate now, I can’t scrape it off.”

Donald was back at the pudding; he pushed the spoon into it savagely.

“Once and for all I will not eat more than my share of anything. If there is anything extra in this house, it’s for Iris, and if we’ve anything to spare it’s to be given away to children. What are we fighting for except the children; it’s their future which is the stake.”

“You are the man who grows the food, your strength needs keeping up.”

Donald’s voice showed the edge of anger.