Arthur!’ came the remonstrating voice again, ‘how you talk—do you mean that she is silent at home? Is she unhappy? What can be the matter with her?’
‘How should I know?’
‘Has not she said anything about baby?’
‘Not she. Not one of them has, except my father.’
‘I thought she would have liked to have heard of baby,’ said Violet, in a tone of disappointment; ‘but if there is anything on her spirits, perhaps she cannot think about him. I wonder what it can be. It cannot be any—any—’
‘Any love affair! No! no! Miss Martindale may break hearts enough, but she will take care of her own, if she has one.’
‘Is she so much admired?’
‘Of course she is. You do not often see her style, and she talks and goes on at no end of a rate.’
‘I remember how she grew excited at the ball, after disliking the prospect.’
‘Is this mere general admiration,’ asked John, ‘or anything more serious?’