'She came to see your uncle, Chris. We must never forget one thing, my dear. This is his house, and he has been very kind to us.'
'He would be angry if he heard you say so.'
'That is his nature, and I should not say it to him. The least we can do in return for all his goodness is to study him in every possible way in our power. To have asked her all about herself might have been like stealing into his confidence. He may have secrets which he would not wish us to know.'
'Secrets! Do you think she is one of them?'
'How can she be? But let you and me make up our minds, my dear--I made up mine a long time ago, Chris--not to be too curious concerning anything your uncle does. If he wished us to know anything, he would tell us of his own free will.'
'I don't suppose he has anything to tell,' I said, with not the slightest belief in my own words.
'Perhaps not. Anyhow, we'll not say anything--eh, Chris?'
'Very well, mother. She is very pretty, isn't she?'
'Very, very pretty.'
'Such beautiful hair--and such white hands!'