"Good-bye; if you hear anything—"
"I'll run in; good-bye."
This was a sample of the talk that was going on all over Manville the morning after the "Big Show." Masters, mistresses, and maids, all were talking; at front doors, back doors, in the parlours, in the kitchens, on the corners—everywhere. Few praised—many censured. And poor Barbara, it was her name that was on every lip. By night everybody in Manville had taken sides for or against her, and, strange to relate, more men than women were ready to defend her.
Stout's Grocery was the objective of many of the male population that morning. Mr. Blake, the undertaker, was the first to arrive.
"A splendid show, Peter," he said.
"Fine."
"Manville ought to be proud."
"She had."
"Miss Wallace made a great hit, didn't she?"
"Say, wa'n't she great!" replied Peter, enthusiastically.