“Margaret Churchill, in my opinion, is a most designing young person,” continued Mrs. Layton. “Rachel, my love, may I trouble you for a little more of that delicious curry. Yes, a most designing young person. I am told that she did everything to attract young Henderson, and that her father also tried to entangle him, and then when she had led the poor young man on to a certain point, she turned round.”
“I do not believe he ever proposed for her,” said Mrs. Temple. “I suppose you think her handsome?” she added, looking at John.
“I think she has a beautiful face,” answered John, decidedly.
“Beautiful! That’s a strong term,” remarked Mrs. Temple, scornfully.
“Yet it is one I should apply to her.”
“It may account, then, for your early walk, Mr. Temple,” said Mrs. Layton, with a little sneering laugh.
“My meeting with Miss Churchill was simply accidental, Mrs. Layton,” said John, coolly. “Naturally the poor girl, after such a dreadful discovery, stopped the first person she met to tell him of it.”
“But you knew her before?” asked Mrs. Layton.
“I had spoken to her before; I have bought a horse of her father, and I saw her then.”