“I cannot tell you,” replied Aneta. “She mentioned something rather curious. It is connected with you.”
“With poor little me?” said Maggie.
“With you,” said Aneta. “You remember telling me that your stepfather is one of the Martyns of The Meadows?”
Maggie’s face grew crimson, then turned pale.
“Well,” said Aneta, bringing out her words with great calmness, “it turns out to be a mistake. Your stepfather is no relation whatever to our friends the Martyns. Aunt Lucia and Mrs. Cardew went to call on them the other day, and asked the question. You made a mistake in announcing your stepfather as being a connection of our friends.”
“Did I? Perhaps so,” said Maggie. “I thought he was, that’s all.”
“You thought wrong,” said Aneta. “I felt I would mention it to you. He may be just as well connected,” she added quietly; “but he is not related to the Martyns of The Meadows.”
“You speak in a very disagreeable tone,” said Maggie.
“I don’t mean to,” replied Aneta; “but I thought I would tell you in order that you should not spread the report any further.”
“I am sure I don’t want to. My stepfather has just as good connections as any one else.”