"There's no need of your knowing, is there?"
Miss Ri looked up with a smile. "I understand. Go along. I reckon you're right to suggest the unattainable once in a while; it adds to the zest later." And with this Parthian shot following her, Linda left the room to join Bertie.
In another moment Miss Ri saw the two girls going out the gate. "I'll not even watch to see which way they turn," she said to herself, letting her gaze fall on her work rather than on the outside world. The dear lady made a good conspirator.
"When are you going to announce your engagement?" was one of the first questions Bertie put to her companion, as they set their faces toward the main street.
"What do you mean?" asked Linda.
"Oh, now Linda Talbot, everyone knows you are engaged to Mr. Jeffreys. You wouldn't be together so continually if you were not."
"I think I could mention several young persons in this town who have set a worthy precedent," replied Linda.
"Oh, well, of course, but in this case—He isn't the flirty kind, we all know."
"He is my cousin," argued Linda in self-defence.
Bertie laughed. "We all know that kind of cousin. The Irish maids have flaunted them before our eyes for generations. That won't do, Linda. Own up."