"Yes, and that reminds me — Have you heard the news?"
"I have heard none to-day."
"Then you heard it yesterday, — of course you did; but I hear so little, when anything comes to me that's new I always think it must be new to everybody else. But of course you must know it, as it is about friends of yours; I dare say you knew it long ago; — though such things are kept close sometimes, even from friends; and I somehow was surprised to hear this, though I had no right to be, for I suppose I had no reason for my fancy. I think a good many things I have no reason for, George thinks. Maybe I do. I cant help it."
"But what is the thing in this case, Mrs. Nettley?" said
Winthrop smiling.
"Why George told me — don't you know? I was a little disappointed, Mr. Winthrop."
"Why?"
"Why, I had a fancy things were going another way."
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"That's because I talk so ill — It's this piece of news George brought home yesterday — he was dining out, for a wonder, with this gentleman who is going to sit to him; I forget his name, — Mr. — I don't know what it is! — but I am foolish to talk about it. Won't you come down and take a cup of tea with us to-night, Mr. Landholm? that's what I came up to ask, and not to stand interrupting you. But you've quite forgotten us lately."
"Thank you, Mrs. Nettley, I'll come with great pleasure — on condition that you tell me your news."