Mrs.Nailor smiled at her knowingly, much as a cat, could she smile, might smile at a mouse.
"I think your mother is out on the far end of the verandah.

I saw her there a little while ago talking with your friend, the young schoolmaster.

What a nice young man he is?
Quite uncommon, isn't he ?" Alice gave a little start.

"The young schoolmaster" indeed! "Yes, I suppose so.

I don't know." She hated Mrs.Nailor with her quiet, cat-like manner and inquisitive ways.