"But altered otherwise, perhaps? Marriage does sometimes—" and she paused suggestively.
"Oh, hang it, yes; Leo's quite the married woman," supplied he, decidedly. He knew it was a lie, but told himself he meant to say it. "I suppose they're always a bit pompous, aren't they?"
"Pompous? Do you mean that that dear little innocent-faced thing has grown pompous? Impossible, Val."
"It's the correct thing, I suppose, ma'am. Once when she thought I was rather presuming—I'm sure I meant no harm—she regularly jumped upon me!"
"Be careful, my dear, if Leo is like that. Being left rich and independent while yet so young, may have turned her head a little. Did she—ahem! talk about her affairs at all?"
"Affairs?" ("Now, what the deuce does she mean by 'affairs'?" thought he.)
"Did she speak of what she meant to do? Is she thinking of remaining in these parts? Or has she any other plans?"
"If she has, she didn't tell them me." Val considered and shook his head. "No, I don't believe she said a word of the kind. Besides what plans could she have, poor little——"
"Not 'poor'". Mrs. Purcell smiled significantly. "You don't seem to understand, my dear. Leonore Stubbs is a very rich widow, and will be immensely sought after. It would be a great pity if she could not settle in the neighbourhood, and—and join the hunt, as you said yourself."
"Aye, to be sure. I forgot about that; but you told me not to spring it upon her too soon."