"Yes—very. Why not, Bertha?"
"Does he ever speak of Prue?"
"Sometimes."
"But he does not show any especial liking?"
"He likes Prue, of course. Every one does."
"Don't you understand me yet? I am treating you as one of ourselves—and trusting you. Of course this is in strict confidence. But for Prue's sake, I thought I would ask you if you had noticed anything. Did you ever hear of the past time, when Prue knew him? Years ago."
"I know he is an old acquaintance."
"More than a mere acquaintance. For weeks we were thrown together, and he seemed to be definitely seeking Prue. I should have said there could be no mistake about the matter. And Prue gave him her whole heart. Poor dear! How happy she was! Then suddenly he drew back, and went away without a word. We lost sight of him for years. Prue suffered terribly, but she would not talk of him—would not allow any one to blame him. And I was as sure as she was that there must be some mistake—only, what could one do?"
"And you believe that Prue cares for Mr. Kelly still?"
"If Prue gives her love once, she gives it for ever. Don't you know her well enough to know that?"