Finally, her task completed to her own satisfaction, she adjusted her glasses and crossed her hands over the top of her cane.
"No news of my granddaughter, I suppose," she demanded.
"None, I am sorry to say."
"Anita is a fool, but I am certain—absolutely certain, mind you—that she did not kill that precious husband of hers, though I don't doubt he richly deserved it."
"I am surprised that you of all people should speak of my cousin in that tone," said Cyril and he looked at her meaningly.
"Of course, you believe what every one believes, that I forced Ann into that marriage. Stuff and nonsense! I merely pointed out to her that she could not do better than take him. She had not a penny to her name and after my death would have been left totally unprovided for. I have only my dower, as you know."
"But, how could you have allowed a girl whose mind was affected to marry?"
"Fiddlesticks! You don't believe that nonsense, do you? Newspaper twaddle, that is all that amounts to."
"I beg your pardon, Arthur himself gave out that her condition was such that she was unable to see any one."
"Impossible! He wrote to me quite frequently and never hinted at such a thing."