And in his glance Juliana retained still the wit to read a gay, cherishing pity.

As he turned away she sank limply against the fence, her first sensation being all of wonder that she had not cried out at this monstrous assault.

And very clearly she knew at once that she had not cried out or made any protest because, though monstrous, it was even more absurd.

A seasoned sense of humour had not failed.
The guilty man swaggered on to meet the children, not looking back.

For him the incident was closed.