They supplied all the missing information themselves, they filled up all the blanks.

The town soon teemed with histories of Laura's origin and secret history, no two versions precisely alike, but all elaborate, exhaustive, mysterious and interesting, and all agreeing in one vital particular-to-wit, that there was a suspicious cloud about her birth, not to say a disreputable one.
Laura began to encounter cold looks, averted eyes and peculiar nods and gestures which perplexed her beyond measure; but presently the pervading gossip found its way to her, and she understood them--then.

Her pride was stung.

She was astonished, and at first incredulous.

She was about to ask her mother if there was any truth in these reports, but upon second thought held her peace.