“She’s a charming woman,” repeated Mrs. Carfax in a slightly dazed voice.
“No doubt. Yet I know one woman who doesn’t describe her in those terms. Did you ever meet a Mrs. Crosby? No? Well, she is firmly convinced that Miss Page robbed her of her inheritance.”
“If the doctor is at all wise, he will go and look after his wife,” suggested Aunt Laura, her remark making a timely but unconscious diversion.
“I’ll see what I can do,” observed Mrs. Carfax with significance.
Madame Didier looked a little alarmed. “Please don’t mention my name!” she begged. “Remember I have said nothing, and that, only in Madge’s interest.”
“Discretion is my strong point,” returned Mrs. Carfax with dignity. “I am no gossip, and the last thing in the world I should wish to do, is to make mischief.”
“You are always so wise, dear Mary,” murmured Mrs. Lovell.
The ladies talked till a late hour, and Mrs. Carfax went to bed full of an excitement which she was shocked to recognize as distinctly pleasurable.
XI
Tiring a little of hotel life, Anne had taken an apartment on the heights close to the Church of the Trinità dei Monti.