"Then—then she is married?"
All the subtle devilish suggestions in her came to the surface. To emphasize the point of her answer, slow head-shaking was necessary:
"I couldn't say as to that, sir."
She smiled too that horrible smile again! The desire to speak evil of others assails some natures irresistibly. She really could not resist—October lodger or no lodger.
"Thank you. That will do."
He managed to dismiss her so, and the landlady left the room. She was fearful of having gone a little too far; yet was filled with the complacency with which such utterances—to such natures—is fruitful.
Yes, he was alone—but such a loneliness!