"Why will people scramble through life at such a rate?" And Mrs. Willoughby installed her gray self in an easy-chair. "I have told Marion fifty times since last summer that she will break down unless she gives herself a rest."
"My dear Mrs. Willoughby," said Dolly. "Marion is a very sensible woman and manages her existence on scientific principles. She really gets much more rest than you or I, not to mention the fact--well, I suppose I ought not to say it."
"Well, I was thinking that since poor Mr. Darche was drowned, life must have seemed like one long rest to Marion."
"Oh Dolly, how unkind!" exclaimed Mrs. Willoughby, and then paused a moment before she continued. "But I suppose there is some truth in it. What is that proverb? 'De--de--mort--'"
"'De mortuis nil nisi--something like bones,'" answered Dolly with a laugh.
"Oh nothing. It only means that everybody should say the nicest possible things when people are dead. That was what you meant. But I should think the living would appreciate them more."
"Yes, yes," assented Mrs. Willoughby vaguely. "I daresay he would."
"He? Who is he?" asked Dolly with affected surprise.
"Oh I do not mean anything, my dear. I hardly think that Marion will marry again."
"I suppose they are admirably suited to each other?"
"Who? Why Marion and Mr. Vanbrugh. Who else?" Dolly watched Mrs. Willoughby's face.
"Oh, I was not thinking of that. I meant Mr.--hm--" She interrupted herself in fear of indiscretion. "Your dress will be complete now with the lace, will it not, Dolly?"
"Oh yes," answered Dolly in a careless tone. "It was just like Mr. Vanbrugh, was it not, to take all that trouble to find the very thing I wanted?"
"A man will take a great deal of trouble, my dear, when he wants to please somebody he is fond of."
"Yes--but me," suggested Dolly, just to see what Cousin Annie thought.
"Why not you? Should you like some tea, Dolly?"
"Why not me? I suppose because I am Marion's friend," Dolly answered.
Mrs. Willoughby was interrupted by the appearance of Stubbs bringing in the tea.
"Is Mrs. Darche at home if any one calls, Stubbs?" she inquired.
"No, madam. Mrs. Darche is upstairs and not at home." He paused a moment to see whether Mrs. Willoughby meant to say anything more, and then left the room.