"The news? O it's no news to you — it's only this about Miss
Haye."
"What about Miss Haye?"
"They say that she is going to get married, to a Mr. Cadwallader, George said. Her cousin I suppose; there is a cousinship of that name, isn't there, Mr. Landholm?"
Mr. Landholm bowed.
"And had you heard of it before?"
"No, I had not."
"And is it a good match? She is a fine girl, isn't she?"
"I know really nothing of the matter, Mrs. Nettley — I have never seen the gentleman."
"Really! Haven't you? — then it was news," said the lady. "I thought you were accustomed to see them so often — I didn't think I was telling you anything. George and I — you must forgive us, Mr. Winthrop, people will have such thoughts; they will come in, and you cannot help it — I don't know what's to keep 'em out, unless one could put bars and gates upon one's minds, and you can't well do that; — but George and I used to have suspicions of you, Mr. Landholm. Well, I have interrupted you long enough. Dear! what windows! I'm ashamed. I'll send the girl up, the first chance you are out of the house. I told her to come up too; but she is heedless. I haven't been to see 'em myself in I don't know how many days; but you're always so terribly busy — and now I've staid twice too long!" —
And away she hurried, softly closing the door after her.