"Everyone says so."
"Everyone does not say so. The majority of people think that the verdict is a just one. I do myself."
"Do you know her?"
"No. What has that to do with it?"
"You won't like her when you do know her," said Mrs. Rover spitefully. "She's a horrid girl; I never liked her."
"That's a pity; you won't be able to visit Ned's wife."
"She isn't his wife yet," breathed Mrs. Rover, trying to keep her temper in check; "perhaps she never will be."
"Oh," Prelice spoke with calculated daring and cruelty, "do you then think that Mr. Rover will die?"
"You coward—you——" She broke off. "What do you mean by that?"
"I would rather you explained, Constance."