"My peace of mind depends on it."
"I wish you were not so obstinate." Then, lowering her voice, "The report is that the poor girl is insane."
"What a horrible slander!" exclaimed the young man, springing to his feet.
"Yes," remarked the widow, "if it is not true."
"It is heartless." Then looking at her sharply, "There is no foundation for it, is there?"
"She has strange fancies, takes aversions to people—I can't say. Let us continue our walk. I have told you I am not acquainted with her."
"We will walk that way: I want to see her closer."
Not satisfied with merely passing, Dr. Maurice Grey—to give him his full title—crossed the path when near the solitary figure, so as to have a full view of her face. At that moment Miss Lafitte raised her eyes, and their expression when they rested on Mrs. Felton was hard to interpret. It seemed a mixture of repulsion and dread. She drew back as they went by, and involuntarily shuddered.
"What do you think of that?" asked the widow as soon as they were at a safe distance.