"I didn't know it," said Miss Collett.
"Oh, but Gee-Gee's thinking of Uncle Hugh," said Winny.
Miss Collett's face stiffened. She was thinking of him.
"Uncle Hugh? Why, he's worse than any of us. With women—ladies—anyhow."
"Eddy, dear!" said Eddy's mother.
"Well, have you ever seen a lady Uncle Hugh could really stand—except Miss Holland?"
Gertrude bent so low over her work that her face was hidden.
"I say! look at that kid. Can't you take your hair out of Miss Holland's face? She doesn't want your horrid hair."
"Yes, I do," said Jane. She was grateful for the veil of Winny's hair.
They had not arrived suddenly, the five of them, at this intimacy. It had developed during the last fortnight, which Jane, fulfilling a promise, had spent with Dr. Brodrick and Mrs. Heron.