"Yes, I met him and had a little talk with him. Young Lacey's been gossiping with me most of the afternoon."
Loft must have wanted to hear, but you'd never have known it! He withdrew, imperturbable and serene. I think that Loft should be added to the god and the brute, to form a trinity of impeccable illegibility.
At a sign from Jenny I took my tea and drank it. She sat very quiet, exhausted as it seemed, yet still thinking hard. I did not speak.
"A long call, wasn't it?" she said at last, and a faint smile flickered on her lips.
"It was—and it seemed so, I daresay."
"How did he look?"
"Exceedingly well-content. And Lacey seemed most contented with his appearance."
She shrugged her shoulders and smiled again rather contemptuously. I set down my cup and came to her. "Well, good-night, Lady Jenny," I said.
She looked up at me and suddenly spoke out the truth—in a hard voice, bitter and resentful.
"With prayers and vows—yes, and tears," she said, "I've saved a week."