“No, no, dear! what a naughty, foolish girl you are, and how you do betray yourself.”
“Betray myself?”
“Yes, dear, your head is always running on this Mr Trethick. I was talking about Mr Lee—he is so pure, and saint-like, and sweet.”
“Oh, yes, I had almost forgotten,” said Rhoda, dreamily; “I had almost forgotten that he lodges with you.”
“Boards with me, dear; and I try to help him in his efforts with these dreadful people here. But tell me, dear, don’t you think it was very imprudent of Mr Trethick to go and lodge at Mrs Mullion’s?”
“No,” said Rhoda; “why?”
“Because of Madge, dear.”
“I do not see why it is more imprudent than for Mr Lee to go and lodge with a lady I know.”
“Board, my dear,” said Miss Pavey, with dignity. “But Mr Lee is a guest.”
“But guests are men,” said Rhoda.