"How's Archie to-day?" asked Mrs. Mason.
"He's well enough," said Mrs. Stuart.
"Fine-looking young fellow he does grow, to be sure! I don't know a finer in the neighbourhood!"
Mrs. Stuart looked glum.
"And I can tell you, other folks think so as well as me. Why, there's the Dunns!"
Mrs. Stuart's wrath exploded suddenly. "Don't talk to me of them Dunns!" she cried.
"Why, dear me!" uttered Mrs. Mason. "And they such friends of Archie's!"
Mrs. Stuart couldn't sit still. She had nothing particular to do, standing up, but she marched to the dresser, and carried off two plates to a cupboard. Then she rubbed away vigorously at a spot of grease on the table. Then she poked the fire.
"I'm sure I don't wonder, neither," pursued Mrs. Mason. "They're the nicest family I know in all Littleburgh. Yes, the very nicest."
Mrs. Stuart tossed her head.