“She heard he was a section hand,” he said.
“The idea!” laughed Lavinia.
“Isn’t this just the worst place for gossip you ever heard of?” said Mayme.
“The worst ever,” said Lawrence. “If I were you I’d quit and start a reform movement.”
When they had gone and were strolling toward the Carters’, Lawrence grumbled at Mayme:
“What did you want to give it all away to Lavinia for?”
“Why, Jack, I didn’t say anything, did I?”
“Oh, no, nothing—only you tipped off the whole thing to her.”
“Why, what did I say that hinted at it, even?”
“‘Oh, you know how people talk!’” Lawrence mimicked her tone as he repeated her words.