'Pshaw!' said Mrs. Peck again. 'That's quite a disappointment.'
'Do you know her then?'
'No, but I know all about her.' Then my companion added—'You don't meant to say she's any relation?'
'Do you mean to me?'
'No, to Grace Mavis.'
'None at all. They are very new friends, as I happen to know. Then you are acquainted with our young lady?' I had not noticed that any recognition passed between them at luncheon.
'Is she yours too?' asked Mrs. Peck, smiling at me.
'Ah, when people are in the same boat—literally—they belong a little to each other.'
'That's so,' said Mrs. Peck. 'I don't know Miss Mavis but I know all about her—I live opposite to her on Merrimac Avenue. I don't know whether you know that part.'
'Oh yes—it's very beautiful.'