The volatile spirit of the Creoles fairly surpassed itself in ringing the changes on stirring rumors.
Alice scarcely left the house during the whole period of excitement and suspense.

Like a wounded bird, she withdrew herself from the light and noisy chatter of her friends, seeking only solitude and crepuscular nooks in which to suffer silently.

Jean brought her every picturesque bit of the ghastly gossip, thus heaping coals on the fire of her torture.

But she did not grow pale and thin.

Not a dimple fled from cheek or chin, not a ray of saucy sweetness vanished from her eyes.