"It was disclosed to me in confidence, and--" "No matter, no matter, my clear boy," said the old lady briskly.

"Then you ought _not_ to tell me.

But, at the same time, Frank, I don't believe a word of it! If Mr Mawley had been meditating anything of the sort, _I_ would have been his first confidante! I don't think there's a word of truth in it, Frank, no matter who your informant was.

I daresay the rumour has got about just because he has taken a house, which he can very well afford, having got tired of living in lodgings; and small blame to him, say I! He's no more going to get married than _I_ am, Frank; and I do not believe that likely, do you ?" She laughed cheerily, tapping me on the cheek with her glove.
She was always petting and caressing me; and, I believe, considered me a sort of big baby exclusively her own property.
"But his taking a house looks suspicious," I said, willing to be more convinced.
"Not a bit of it," said Miss Pimpernell, sturdily.

"Why, if Monsieur Parole d'Honneur took a house, would that be any reason for _his_ getting married?
Ah, I know, Frank, who has put all this nonsense in your head! It is that gossiping old Shuffler.