But I have been told that gossips talked about
you a good deal last year, at the time of Jem's death. I think it only
fair that you should know."
"Thank you," said Dora curtly.
"Of course, dear, _I_ didn't believe anything about it."
"Thank you," said Dora again.
"I should have been sorry to do so."
Then Dora turned upon her suddenly.
"What do you mean, Aunt Anna?" she asked with determination.
"Oh, nothing, dear, nothing. Don't get flurried about it."
"I am not at all flurried," replied Dora quietly. "You said that you
would be sorry to have to believe what gossips said of me last year at
the time of Jem's death--"
"Dora," interrupted Mrs. Agar, "I never said anything against you in any
way; how can you say such a thing?"
"And," continued Dora, with an unpleasant calmness of manner, "I must ask
you to explain. What did the gossips say, and why should you be sorry to
have to believe it?"
Mrs. Agar's reluctance was not quite genuine nor was it well enough
simulated to deceive Dora.
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