"But what did you go into the book-case for, Lottie?" I inquired, anxious to bring her to some point in her communication.
"What did I go into the book-case for? Why, only to hear what was going on in that room, to be sure. Wasn't that Mr. Lawrence and Mrs. Babylon there, sitting on the sofa together two hull hours?"
"And you listened to the conversation?"
"In course I did."
She seemed waiting for me to ask more questions, but I could not force myself thus indirectly to partake in a dishonorable act.
"You won't ask what they said, and yet are a-dying to know, any fool can see that. Well, thanks be to goodness! I ain't a lady, and if I was, for her sake I'd do worse things than that; my ears were made to hear with, and I ain't going to fight agin nature."
"But you came to see me for something, Lottie?"
"Certainly I did. But how is one to tell things without talking right out? Well, if you won't ask what I heard in the book-case, I must tell you promiscuous. This she-sarpent has about done up your business for you, as she means to for me and the rest of 'em before long."
"Done my business for me, Lottie! What does that mean? I do not understand."
"Likely enough; but I'll tell you; Babylon is in love with Mr. Lawrence."