"Speaking with Mr. Chaskin. She will call for me at your house in half an hour, so I shall have time to see your pa. By the way, my dear," said Mrs. Drass, as they walked slowly onward side by side, "I hope your sister is not ill?"
"She did not mention that she was ailing," replied Iris, dryly.
"Then why did she leave before the sermon?"
"I do not know, Mrs. Drass. No doubt we shall find her indoors, and then you can ask her yourself."
"Oh, my dear!" Mrs. Drass exclaimed in a shocked tone, as though virtuously indignant at the idea of gossiping. "I would not think of troubling about such a trifle. I simply thought your dear sister was ill, seeing she left before Mr. Chaskin's sweet discourse; and I had half a mind to follow with my smelling bottle."
"Very kind of you," said Iris, briefly; and then, as she disliked the conversation, held her tongue. Mrs. Drass at once began on a fresh topic.
"Did you see that stranger in church?" she asked--"a handsome young lady, most beautifully dressed. I wonder who she can be?"
"I did not observe her particularly."
"She looked at Mr. Lovel a great deal," continued Mrs. Drass artfully, "and at your sister. I was ill-placed for observation, but I turned and saw their looks."
"I don't understand you," said Iris, on her guard at this coupling of Milly's name with that of Lovel.