"It's about a little matter, Miss Patience."
"Yes?"
"A little matter concerning Mr James."
"Yes?"
"I am afraid—I am afraid, Miss Patience, there is—well—not to put too fine a point upon it—a lady."
"What is this you say, Bridgewater? But sit down."
"A lady, Miss Patience."
"You've said that before—what lady, and what about her?" The recollection of Leavesley's words shot up in her brain.
"Dear me, dear me! I wish I hadn't spoken now. I'm sure it's nothing wrong. I think, very possibly, I have been mistaken."