"Ah, indeed! Come, go back again."
"No, thank you; I've several calls to make this morning. But, d' you know, there's a strange story afloat about a certain lady of your acquaintance?"
"Of my acquaintance?"
"Yes; a lady with whom you are very, very intimate."
"What is it?" There was a little anxiety mixed with the curious air of Mrs. Lowe.
"Something about murdering a sewing-girl."
"What?" Mrs. Lowe started as if she had received a blow; a frightened look came into her face.
"But there isn't anything in it, of course," said the friend, in considerable astonishment at the effect produced on Mrs. Lowe.
"Tell me just what you have heard," said the latter. "You mean me by the lady of your intimate acquaintance."
"Yes; the talk is about you. It came from doctor somebody; I don't know whom. He's attending the girl."