"Of course," said Bruce; "and I answered what every one answers."
"Have you seen Mrs. Littlefield lately?"
"Several times. I called on her the day before I left town, to see if she had any messages for you."
"Oh, thank you! I hope she's well."
"Oh, she's as jolly as ever. She sent you her love, and hoped you would come back to Leatherborough very soon again. I told her, that, however it might be with the first message, the second should be a joint one from both of us."
"You're very kind. I should like very much to go again.—Do you like Mrs. Littlefield?"
"Like her? Yes. Don't you? She's thought a very pleasing woman."
"Oh, she's very nice.—I don't think she has much conversation."
"Ah, I'm afraid you mean she doesn't backbite. We've always found plenty to talk about."
"That's a very significant tone. What, for instance?"