"I more than half thought it was."
Mrs. Clover heaved a sigh and looked more cheerful.
"And what," she added, "does she mean about marrying a gentleman?"
"That's more than I can tell you."
Again he laughed, laughed like a man enjoying sudden relief of mind.
"More than I can tell you, Mrs. Clover. But I'll see if I can't find out; indeed I will. Her friends, the Nibby's, may be able to tell me something. Have you asked her to come and see you?"
"No. For one thing I don't know the address, and after a letter like this—"
"Quite right. Leave it to me." He bent his head, hesitated, and added quietly, "I may have something to tell you."
Thereupon they parted, and Mrs. Clover felt her head so much better that she was able to attend to business.