"She thought less of it because Mrs. Puttock is a vulgar old gossip."
"Yes; but I'm afraid there may be something in it. Why did Eleanor tell you now?"
"Because I was speaking to her about the way Mr. Medland monopolised Alicia in the Park the other afternoon."
"Oh, that was my fault."
"It makes no difference how it came about. Willie, she had eyes and ears for no one else," and Lady Eynesford's voice became very earnest.
"But it's preposterous, Mary. You must be wrong. There couldn't possibly be anything of the kind."
"You know the sort of girl she is," his wife went on. "She's—well, she's easily caught by an idea, and rather romantic, and—really, dear, we ought to be careful."
"I can't believe it. If it's true, Medland has treated me very badly."
"What does he care?" asked Lady Eynesford. "How I wish she would go away! Nothing I say seems to make any impression on her."