“Don't meddle with what does n't concern you,” replied Connie, while she and the girl exchanged the glances of conspirators.
A short while afterwards the two visitors drove away. For some time Norma responded somewhat absently to Mrs. Deering's light talk.
“I am so glad you have taken to Jimmie,” said the latter at last. “Is n't he a dear?”
“I remember your saying that before. But is n't it rather an odd word to use with reference to him?” said Norma.
“Odd—? But that's just what he is.”
Norma turned in some resentment on her friend.
“Oh, Connie, how dare we talk patronisingly of a man like that? He's worth a thousand of the empty-souled, bridge-playing people we live among.”
“But that's just why I call him a dear,” said Mrs. Deering, uncomprehendingly.
Norma shrugged her shoulders, fell into a silence which she broke by risking:
“Do you know whom he is in love with?”