XLI.
Mavering came to lunch the next day, and had a word with Mrs. Pasmer before Alice came in. Mr. Pasmer usually lunched at the club.
“We don't see much of Mrs. Saintsbury nowadays,” he suggested.
“No; it's a great way to Cambridge,” said Mrs. Pasmer, stifling, in a little sigh of apparent regret for the separation, the curiosity she felt as to Dan's motive in mentioning Mrs. Saintsbury. She was very patient with him when he went on.
“Yes, it is a great way. And a strange thing about it is that when you're living here it's a good deal further from Boston to Cambridge than it is from Cambridge to Boston.”
“Yes,” said Mrs. Pasmer; “every one notices that.”
Dan sat absently silent for a time before he said, “Yes, I guess I must go out and see Mrs. Saintsbury.”
“Yes, you ought. She's very fond of you. You and Alice ought both to go.”
“Does Mrs. Saintsbury like me?” asked Dan. “Well, she's awfully nice. Don't you think she's awfully fond of formulating people?”
“Oh, everybody in Cambridge does that. They don't gossip; they merely accumulate materials for the formulation of character.”