Nannie’s evasions began to rouse her suspicions. “I suppose Bumpett told you,” she said, turning suddenly on her servant.
Nannie’s jaw dropped.
“Answer me!” cried Mrs. Walters, with rising voice; “was it Bumpett?”
“Well, now I think on it, ’e was one o’ them.”
“I thought so,” said Anne, smiling grimly.
“And who is this—this loose woman you were speaking of? You haven’t told me that.”
“Lawk! mum, I wouldn’t so much as name her afore ye,” replied Nannie, drawing down her mouth.
“Let me have no more nonsense,” exclaimed Mrs. Walters, with justifiable warmth; “if you did not mean to speak out, you had no business to say anything at all. I am waiting to hear.”
Nannie shuffled from one foot to the other.
“Well, ’tis Mary Vaughan, the toll-keeper’s wench.”