"You must tell that to Miss Paslow and to your son," said Beatrice coldly; "I have nothing to do with it."
"Well"--Mrs. Snow hesitated--"I thought that you, being a friend of Miss Paslow's, might point out how foolish her conduct is."
"It is not my place to interfere," said Miss Hedge in a frosty manner, and beginning to gain an inkling as to why the vicaress had paid this unforeseen visit.
"Of course not. I should never ask you to do anything disagreeable, Miss Hedge. I hope you will come and see me at the Vicarage. Now that I have found you out, I really must see more of you."
"It is very kind of you, Mrs. Snow; but I never go out. My father does not wish me to."
"So eccentric dear Mr. Alpenny is!" murmured the vicaress. "I was in town only two weeks ago, and Lady Watson mentioned how strange he was. You know Lady Watson, of course?"
"I never set eyes on her. I don't even know the name."
"That is strange," and Mrs. Snow really did look puzzled; "she knew all about you."
Beatrice started. "What is there to know about me?"
"Oh, nothing--really and truly nothing. Only that Mr. Alpenny married your mother and adopted you when she died. I was not here when Mrs. Alpenny died, but I believe she is buried in our churchyard."