"No, never. You needn't give me any more details, because it's one of the questions an oracle finds easiest to answer. No one ever thanks you—"
"I shouldn't be doing it for thanks."
"And you get your own fingers burnt."
"That wouldn't matter. I'd let my fingers burn to the bone if it would do any good."
"It wouldn't. You may take my word for it. I know who you're talking about. It's Evie Colfax."
She started, looking guilty. "Why should you suppose that?"
"I've got eyes. I've watched her, and I know she's a little minx. Oh, you needn't protest. She's a taking little minx, and this time she's in the right."
"I'm afraid I don't know what you mean."
"What has Billy Merrow got to offer her, even if he is my nephew? Come now! He won't be in a position to marry for the next two or three years. Whereas that fellow Strange—"
"Have you heard anything about him?" she asked, breathlessly.