“Not exactly those two, in particular.”
“Who then? Is it Miss Judith O’Joscelyn? or is the Reverend Mr Hill one of those to whom you give that sweetest of all names?”
“Yes; to both of them. It was only this morning I had a long tête-à-tête—”
“What, with Mr Hill?”
“No, not with Mr Hill—though it wouldn’t be the first even with him, but with Judith O’Joscelyn. I lent her a pattern for worsted work.”
“And does that make her your friend? Do you give your friendship so easily?”
“You forget that I’ve known her for years.”
“Well, now, I’ve not. I’ve seen her about three times in my life, and spoken two words to her perhaps twice; and yet I’ll describe her character to you; and if you can say that the description is incorrect, I will permit you to call her your friend.”
“Well, let’s hear the character.”
“It wouldn’t be kind in me, though, to laugh at your friend.”