“Oh, nothing. Only, I hope—I wish you joy of him.”
“If you don’t mind a slanderer,” added Maud.
“It’s not true!” said Laura. “How dare you say it?”
“Take care, dear, that he doesn’t fancy you’re in a hurry—— What was your phrase?” said Isabel.
“It’s perfectly shameful,” said Maud.
“I don’t choose to hear a friend run down for nothing,” declared Laura.
“A friend? How very chivalrous you are! Come, Maud dear.”
“Good-bye, Laura,” said Maud. “I’m sure you’ll be sorry when you come to think.”
“No, I shan’t. I——”