"I didn't know you knew the Rothwells so well, uncle."
"My dear," said her uncle, "how should you?"
"I suppose you might have talked about them."
"I might," said Mr. Hayes. "Now you mention it, I might, certainly. But I haven't any especial fancy for the gossip of the last generation."
"Well, I have," said the girl. And after a moment she went on. "How long is it since they left the Place?"
Her uncle put his head on one side with a quick, birdlike movement, and apparently referred to a cloud in the western sky before he made answer.
"Nineteen years last Midsummer."
"And when did you take it?"
"A year later."
The two walked a little way in silence, and then Barbara recommenced.