Mr Freeman had, in fact, not given such things a moment’s thought for many years, and what exactly was spoken above his drowsy head in that faraway time was all so vague that he could not have given any account of it. Nor, he decided, would he have done had it been possible. Poor little woman, she had to live in the place; she was already anxious, and it would have been cruel to add anything that might make her nervous. So he spoke soothingly:

‘From what I know of Canon Thorby, he’s not the man to let any cruelty go on in his village – a chained-up dog always finds a champion in him. If he thinks the relationship between the girl and her granny is all right, I think you need not fret. Perhaps you haven’t yet come to understand the East Anglian temperament; there is a fanatical family loyalty. I expect that had you come on the old woman actually beating the girl and tried to restrain her, the girl would have kicked your shins. Yes, indeed, I know a case where it happened. To me, in fact, in Selbury High Street, if you please!’

‘Does the East Anglian temperament explain the doll?’ Anxious not to seem tediously serious, she asked that question with a half-smile; and again he thought, Charming; all she needs is a little encouragement and some attractive clothes. He lied valiantly.

‘Oh, the mommet. That is the word, or something like it. Well, perhaps not strictly East Anglian, but rural. Until very lately they’ve been in the habit of making all their own toys, you know. Out of the most unlikely materials. Have you ever seen a corn-dolly? You will, in Walwyk, this harvest-time, made out of straw. I should imagine – correct me if I’m wrong – that the girl in question isn’t very mature for her age mentally, though perhaps rather tall?’

‘That is so.’

‘Then she is officially too old now to have a doll of the ordinary kind, but she hankers for one. So she made herself a little tallow treasure and was secretive, about it. I offer you this explanation because I can remember my younger sister, who was tall, not being allowed to take the doll’s perambulator out with her on walks, while my older sister, the senior by quite eighteen months, but short, was allowed to. My father said it was manifestly unfair, but my mother was adamant; she said Florence would look so silly.’

He smiled. Miss Mayfield thought, Well, I have told my story to an outsider, and the verdict almost agrees with Canon Thorby’s. Perhaps I am fanciful. But I didn’t mention – how could I? – the gross feature of the little image; or is that also a feature of East Anglian dollmaking?

‘I’m afraid I’ve wasted a great deal of your time,’ she said. ‘But it has been a relief to talk to somebody.’