"Mr. Batchgrew, I want you to oblige me by not discussing my affairs with any one but me."
At that moment the front door closed firmly below, and the bedroom vibrated.
"Is that Louis going?" she asked.
Batchgrew went to the window and looked downward, lowering the pupils as far as possible so as to see the pavement.
"It's Louis going," he replied.
Mrs. Maldon sighed relief.
Mr. Batchgrew said no more.
"What were you talking about downstairs to those two?" Mrs. Maldon went on carefully.
"What d'ye suppose we were talking about?" retorted Batchgrew, still at the window. Then he turned towards her and proceeded in an outburst: "If you want to know, missis, I was asking that young wench what the secret was between you and her."
"The secret? Between Rachel and me?"