"That's nice," said I; "news is worth double here in the country; tell me slowly, to prolong the pleasure."
"You must guess first. I want to have you try your powers for once; guess, do!"
"Mr. Lincoln defeated?"
"Oh, no,—at least not that I know of; all the returns from this State are not in yet, of course not from the others; besides, do you think I'd make such a fuss about politics?"
"You might," said I, thinking of all the beautiful and brilliant women that in other countries and other times had made "fuss" more potent than Laura's about politics.
"But I shouldn't," retorted she.
"Then there is a new novel out?"
"No!" (with great indignation).
"Or the parish have resolved to settle Mr. Hermann?"
"How stupid you are, Sue! Everybody knew that yesterday."