"No, John ain't no relation; he's just a friend."
"Is he—is he making you a long visit?"
"I hope so. He's goin' to live here always with me if I can make him."
Again Miss Lee tatted industriously. Then she looked up with what she tried to make a most friendly smile.
"Now you know, Miss Doane, I never gossip, but I am a friend of yours and I think you ought to be told. The neighbors think it queer that you have this man live here, who is no relative of yours."
"How's it queer?"
"Well, it's unconventional, to say the least."
"What do you mean by unconventional?"
"I don't know how I can say it so that you will understand. Not quite proper, you know."
Drusilla sat back in her chair. A bright spot appeared on her faded cheek and there was an ominous light in her eyes.