“I can’t believe she has lost her money,” said Mrs. Glynn. “She wouldn’t have been such a fool as to do what she has if she hadn’t money.”

“What has she done?” asked Mrs. Bates, eagerly.

“What has she done?” asked Abby, and Mrs. Lee looked up inquiringly.

The faces of Mrs. Glynn, her daughter, and her sister became important, full of sly and triumphant knowledge.

“Haven’t you heard?” asked Mrs. Glynn.

“Yes, haven’t you?” asked Ethel.

“Haven’t any of you heard?” asked Julia Esterbrook.

“No,” admitted Abby, rather feebly. “I don’t know as I have.”

“Do you mean about Eudora’s going so often to the Lancaster girls’ to tea?” asked Mrs. John Bates, with a slight bridle of possible knowledge.

“I heard of that,” said Mrs. Lee, not to be outdone.