"She's equal to anything, but I can't see her object unless she thought Mrs. Prynne had designs on Sidney."
"Poor Lottie! I think even she'd draw the line there! I was perfectly amazed when Paul told me about that supposed engagement, the day that Rachel's was announced, but I fancy that was really what put it into Mrs. Billop's head."
"I don't see why."
"Why of course you know John was in love with Rachel?"
Eva, who had been only languidly attentive, turned quickly. "What?"
Pamela reddened. "Didn't you know it? Didn't Rachel ever tell you about it?"
"Not a word."
Her visitor felt deliciously guilty; she had not intended to transgress her husband's injunctions, but, as long as she had inadvertently let the cat out of the bag, there was a wicked satisfaction in seeing Eva's amazed incredulity.
"Well, of course I knew it," she said sweetly, nibbling her strawberry, "it was perfectly easy to see; John's so thoroughly masculine that he can't hide it; you know men are just like ostriches; they bury their heads in the sand and think they're completely hidden."
"If it was so obvious, it seems rather strange, doesn't it, that I never heard anything about it?"