"I have a friend, Miss Harding, who has recently removed to Le Bocage, and intends making it her home. How is she?"
"Quite well, I believe."
Mr. Hammond left the study for a moment, and Mrs. Powell added:
"Her friends at the North tell me that she is to marry her cousin, Mr.
Murray, very soon."
"I had not heard the report."
"Then you think there are no grounds for the rumor?"
"Indeed, madam, I know nothing whatever concerning the matter."
"Estelle is handsome and brilliant."
Edna made no reply; and, after waiting a few seconds, Mrs. Powell asked:
"Does Mr. Murray go much into society now?"