"All very well, my dear! This is the third! Patricia is never happy long without a man at her apron-strings. But how long will it last?"
Bee hurried her companion on, making a slight stir; and the sound ceased. Another ten seconds, and they were out of hearing.
"Patricia! The third!" repeated Magda.
"We were not meant to hear. People should be more careful."
"Who was it? Do you know the voice?"
Bee kept silence, for she did know. It was that of Patricia's aunt, Mrs. Norman—the sister of Patricia's mother, whereas Mrs. Framley was the sister of Patricia's father.
"Do you suppose it is true?"
"There is always gossip of the sort. We must forget it."
"You don't think I ought to tell Rob?"
"Certainly not. It is no business of ours. Magda, be wise—don't repeat it to any human being. I shall not tell even my mother."