"Well?" said the other, as he paused.

"I--there was an idea that you went to Australia to--to better your
condition," murmured the grocer. "That--that you were not in a position
to marry--that----"

"Boy and girl nonsense," said Mr. Barrett, sharply. "Why, it's fifteen
years ago. I don't suppose I should know her if I saw her. Is her
mother alive?"

"Rather!" said Mr. Jernshaw, with emphasis. "Louisa is something like
what her mother was when you went away."

Mr. Barrett shivered.

"But you'll see for yourself," continued the other. "You'll have to go
and see them. They'll wonder you haven't been before."

"Let 'em wonder," said the embarrassed Mr. Barrett. "I shall go and see
all my old friends in their turn; casual-like. You might let 'em hear
that I've been to see you before seeing them, and then, if they're
thinking any nonsense, it'll be a hint. I'm stopping in town while the
house is being decorated; next time I come down I'll call and see
somebody else."

"That'll be another hint," assented Mr. Jernshaw. "Not that hints are
much good to Mrs. Prentice."

"We'll see," said Mr. Barrett.