‘Well, he used to be,’ replied Rodman, with a significant smile. ‘But I don’t suppose Mrs. W. gave him a very affectionate reception to-day. His little doings have rather startled the good people of Wanley, especially since he has lost his standing. It wouldn’t have mattered much, I dare say, but for that.’
‘But was there anything particular up there?’
Mutimer had a careworn expression as he asked, and he nodded his head as if in the direction of the village with a certain weariness.
‘I’m not quite sure. Some say there was, and others deny it, as I gather from general conversation. But I suppose it’s at an end now, in any case.’
‘Mrs. Waltham would see to that, you mean?’ said Mutimer, with a short laugh.
‘Probably.’
Rodman made his glass revolve, his fingers on the stem.
‘Take another cigar. I suppose they’re not too well off, the Walthams?’
‘Mrs. Waltham has an annuity of two hundred and fifty pounds, that’s all. The girl—Miss Waltham—has nothing.’
‘How the deuce do you get to know so much about people, Rodman?’