"What do you mean?" asked Mrs. Randal, a faint flush rising in her pale face. "Gone where?"
"To Carsham Fair, to be sure. They're young, and it's the right place for 'em. When I was a girl," said the old woman with a chuckle, "I used to say as I'd dance at the fair as long as I'd a leg to stand on. Don't you tie up the young uns too tight, Jane Randal, or they'll give ye the slip one o' these days."
"You don't tell me as Mary Alfrick's taken Lily to the fair? She never would. You're talking nonsense, Granny, come!"
"I may and I mayn't," said Granny, with a cunning look. "What did you ask me for, if you didn't want to know?"
"It's impossible."
"You just listen to me. Never you trust them quiet ones. They's the worst of all. There never was a girl yet——"
"But did you see them going?"
"To be sure I did. And the little un with that sweet pretty hat on, all blue and white ribbons, as your John paid a nice penny for, I daresay."
Mrs. Randal stood quite still. The old woman watched her with half-mocking eyes. She had revenged herself on Mary, anyhow, for taking no notice of her request for a copper. Now she was thinking how some useful present might be extracted from Mrs. Randal.
But suddenly, much to her disappointment, Mrs. Randal turned back into her empty house and shut the door.