"Oh, I understand everything," she cried mischievously, before I could stammer anything in reply. "They are building a delightful romance around us. And why not? Why begrudge them the pleasure? No harm can come of it, you see."
"Certainly no harm," I floundered.
"The gossip is confined to the castle. It will not go any farther. We can afford to laugh in our sleeves, can't we?"
"Ha, ha!" I laughed in a strained effort, but not into my sleeve. "I rejoice to hear you say that you don't mind. No more do I. It's rather jolly."
"Fancy any one thinking we could possibly fall in love with each other," she scoffed. Her eyes were very bright. There was a suggestion of cold water in that remark.
"Yes, just fancy," I agreed.
"Absurd!"
"But, of course, as you say, if they can get any pleasure out of it, why should we object? It's a difficult matter keeping a cook any way."
"Well, we are bosom friends once more, are we not? I am so relieved."
"I suppose Poopendyke told you the—the gossip?"