Vi let the inquiry pass unnoticed, but the woman went on, "I've never been South, but I'd like to go; perhaps I shall next winter. It might help William's rheumatism."
"Your husband wants you, Mrs. Moses," remarked Mary Keith.
"Oh yes; he's always wanting me. I'll go presently."
"Cousin," said Mary, "shall we take a stroll on the beach?"
Violet caught at the suggestion with alacrity, and they went at once, the rest of their party, and Mrs. Perkins and hers, accompanying them.
"That poor man!" sighed Mary. "I thought if we all left her, perhaps she would go to him."
"Isn't it strange?" said Susie, "he seems to love her dearly, and she to care nothing about him. And he is so nice and good and patient, and she so disagreeable."
"A very poor sort of wife, I think," pursued Mary. "She will not even sleep on the same floor with him, for fear of being disturbed when pain keeps him awake. Day and night he is left to the care of that awkward, blundering German. But there! I ought to be ashamed of myself for talking about an absent neighbor."
"I don't think you are doing any harm, Cousin Mary," said Charlie, "for we can all see how utterly selfish the woman is."
"What! are you two cousins?" asked Edward in surprise.