"But let me tell you--I'm not!" She paused to see if this piece of information would take more effect than the first, but again Rufus proved a disappointment.

Neither by word nor look did he express any sympathy.
Mrs.Peck continued, it being contrary to her nature to leave anything to the imagination of her hearers.

"If he'd been content to go with one of you, I wouldn't have given it another thought.

Goodness knows, I'm not of a suspicious turn.

But the moment I mention the matter, he turns round with his sweetest smile and he says, 'Oh, don't you trouble, Mrs.
Peck!' he says.