It was literally a fact that, except Mr.Skellorn, a few tradesmen, the vicar, the curate, and a sidesman or so, she never even spoke to a man from one month's end to the next.

The Church choir had its annual dance, to which she was invited; but the perverse creature cared not for dancing.

Her mother did not seek society, did not appear to require it.

Nor did Hilda acutely feel the lack of it.

She could not define her need.