“Nonsense, darling! She’s not at all bad looking. Well dressed, she’d be a fine figure of a woman.”
“Why is she so dowdy then?”
“She lives in the country, you see. I suppose there’s no one to dress for. And after all what does it matter?”
There was a little laugh. “No. She’s too old now. She’ll never marry.”
Again there was an incoherent murmur. “Yes I know, darling, it’s boring for you. But she’s had a dreary life, poor girl. I want you to be nice to her.”
“I am nice,” the answer came in a hurt voice, and was followed immediately by a rustle.
“I know you are. You’re a darling. You’re the sweetest thing on this earth!”
There was a sound of a kiss, and Anne drew back from the window with a quick movement.
“Hush!” The exclamation came swiftly from Hugh.
“Oh! it’s all right. Her light’s out. She’s asleep.”