“What a pity that Miss Ellyson should be in the way!” added Mrs. de Vries, a young society matron in Laurier’s set.
Jessie’s large eyes had an inquiring expression that moved her to add further:
“Of course, you know all about his engagement?”
“No, I do not. I never met him until on shipboard,” Jessie answered with seeming indifference.
“And you did not really know that he is going home to marry a girl he has been engaged to over two years?”
“No,” Jessie answered carelessly.
“Then we must tell you about it. The story is quite romantic, if it will not tire you to hear it.”
“Not at all,” she answered calmly, glad that they could not notice her agitation.
So he was not married to proud, scornful Cora yet? She wondered why, and listened eagerly to Mrs. de Vries as she rattled on and told all that had happened as we already know.
As Mrs. de Vries finished her dramatic recital, a quick sob followed from Jessie, who was weeping the tears that rise from a tender heart over her rival’s calamity.