say in his letter this morning?"

"He says it will all be over in a day or two. Dear me, how I wish it
were over now! I can't endure Cousin Mary's snippishness much longer,
and as for Katherine! My dear, I hate that girl!"

"She's been very nice lately, Edith--ever since Freddie dropped me so
completely. By the way, Burton was telling me to-day that Odell-Carney
had been asking her some very curious and staggering questions about
Tootles and your most private affairs."

"I know, my dear," groaned Edith. "He very politely remarked to me last
night that Tootles made him think very strangely of a friend of his in
London. He wouldn't mention the fellow's name. He only smiled and said,
'Nevah mind, my dear, he's a c'nfended handsome dog.' I daresay he meant
that as a compliment for Tootles. She _is_ pretty, don't you think so,
dear?"

"She's just like you, Edith," said Constance, who understood things
quite clearly.

"Then, in heaven's name, Connie, why are they staring at her so
impolitely--all of them?"

"It's because she is so pretty. Goodness, Edith, don't let every little
thing worry you. You'll have wrinkles and grey hairs soon enough."

"It's all very nice for you to talk," grumbled Edith. "I'm going mad
with loneliness. You have a lover near you all the time--he's mad about
you. What have I? I'm utterly alone. No one loves me--no, not a soul--"