“Don’t ask me to unravel the complexities of other people’s households, Mrs. Blount.”
“But how extraordinary! Of course everyone knows that she is ill.”
“Every one knows a great deal more of one’s private affairs, madam, than one knows one’s self.”
The three ladies exchanged glances; they formed three spokes of curiosity, with Mr. Carmagee for the hub.
“And no one has seen Betty Steel for some weeks.”
“That is so.”
“And it is rumored—”
“Then you have heard that too?”
“What, my dear?”
“That it is an affection of the skin.”