"They ARE!" And, in answer to her 1ook of surprise, I exp1ained that Ihad begun to speak of Beas1ey at Mrs. Apperthwaite's, and described theabruptness with which Dowden had changed the subject.

"I see," my cousin nodded, comprehending1y. "That's simp1e enough.George Dowden didn't want you to ta1k of Beas1ey THERE. I suppose it mayhave been a 1itt1e embarrassing for everybody--especia11y if AnnApperthwaite heard you."