"Willy, does she use perfumery?"

"How in the world should I know!"

"Well, there's a sort of fragrance about her. It isn't like cologne,
it's like--well, orris-root."

William made no comment.

"It's a kind of sachet, I guess; I'd like to know what it is. Willy,
Sam Wright's Sam went out walking with her yesterday. I met them on
the River Road. I believe the boy is in love with her!"

"He's got eyes," William agreed.

"_Tck!_" said Martha, "the idea of calling her good-looking! And
I don't think it speaks well for a woman of her age--she's forty if
she's a day--to let a boy trail round after her like that. And to fix
herself up with sachet-powders and things. And her Sarah told the
Draytons' Jean that she had her breakfast in bed every morning! I'd
like to know how my housekeeping would go on if _I_ had breakfast
in bed, though dear knows I'm very tired and it would be pleasant
enough. But there's one thing about me: I may not be perfect, but I
don't do lazy things just because they are pleasant."

The doctor made no defence of Mrs. Richie. Instead he asked for
another cup of coffee and when told that it would not be good for him,
got up, then paused patiently, his hand on the door-knob, to hear his
Martha out.