"I heard something," she said, faintly, "but I said I wouldn't believe it until I had asked you." "What is it ?" "I heard that you were engaged to marry Mr.Allen." Rose flushed and moved away a little from Lucy.

"You can contradict the rumor whenever you hear it again," said she.
"Then it isn't true ?" "No, it isn't." Lucy nestled against Rose, in spite of a sudden coldness which had come over the other girl.

"You are so dear," said she.
Rose looked straight ahead, and sat stiffly.
"I am thoroughly angry at such rumors, merely because a girl happens to be living in the same house with a marriageable man," said she.
"Yes, that is so," said Lucy.

She remained quiet for a few moments, leaning against Rose, her blue-clad shoulder pressing lovingly the black-clad one.

Then she moved away a little, and reared her pretty back with a curious, snakelike motion.