are rather ubiquitous in Radstowe. It's fortunate for us, or Caroline
would die of boredom, but I don't know how it appears to other
people.'

She was going down the shallow stairs and the voice of Mrs. Sales
followed her sadly: 'He hasn't told me anything about any of his
friends.'

'In three months? He hasn't had time, with you to think about!' A
laugh, pleased and self-conscious, reached her ears. 'No, but it's
rather lonely in this old house. We're a big family at home--and so
lively. There was always something going on. I wished we lived nearer
Radstowe.'

'And I envy you here. It's peaceful.'

'Yes, it's that,' Mrs. Sales agreed.

'I'm a good deal older than you, you see,' Rose elaborated.

'That's just it,' said Mrs. Sales.

Rose laughed, and Francis, standing at the door, turned at the sound
in time to catch the end of Rose's smile.

'What are you laughing at?'

'Mrs. Sales's candour.'

'Oh, was I rude?'