From the look that Mrs. Gass's countenance assumed at the question, it might have been thought that she was about to have a seizure herself. Her eyes grew round, her cheek and nose red. For a full minute she made no answer.
"What cause can you have to ask me that, Mr. Richard? You can't know nothing about it."
"Yes, I can; and do. I know that such a paper was found; I fear it was a copy of the anonymous letter. But I have come to you for particulars."
"My patience!" ejaculated Mrs. Gass. "To think you should have got hold of it at last. Who in the world told you, sir?"
"Jelly. But----"
"Drat that girl!" warmly interposed Mrs. Gass. "Her tongue is as long as from here to yonder."
"But not intentionally, I was about to add. I overheard her say a chance word, and I insisted upon her disclosing to me what she knew. There is no blame due to Jelly, Mrs. Gass."
"I say Yes there is, Mr. Richard. What right has she to blab out chance words about other folk's business? Let her stick to her own. That tongue of hers is worse than a steam-engine; once set going, it won't be stopped."
"Well, we will leave Jelly. It may be for the better that I should know this. Tell me all about it, my dear old friend."
Thus adjured, Mrs. Gass spoke; telling the tale from the beginning. Richard listened in silence.