"But oh, I'm glad that man isn't—father!" whispered Winnie. CHAPTER XXVII The Eavesdropper "THERE she is again!" uttered Pressford in dismay, as a familiar figure sailed up the garden. "For pity's sake, keep her off." Mrs. Pressford being out, Amy had to throw herself into the breach. She was rather in awe of Mrs. Brutt. "I've brought a few flowers for your poor invalids. Just to cheer them up, you know. So dull to be kept indoors this lovely weather! I have been thinking—could you not make a little more use of me, now they are better? If you would allow me to sit with your husband for an hour, while you get out with Mrs. Pressford, I should be delighted." Mrs. Ramsay's childlike eyes widened with dismay. "It would be no trouble—none whatever. So I hope you will not hesitate. Invalids need to be amused; and I would do my best. A little cheerful talk, you know—" If she had known how Pressford loathed "talk." "Thanks! It is most kind. Oh, what pretty flowers!" "Then you will let me appear, some time this afternoon." "I'm afraid not yet. They have to be kept so quiet." "I assure you, my dear, I am most quiet. I know so well the need. The least stir—the smallest creak—in certain states become agonising. Simply agonising! I know too well from experience. But you may depend upon me. So if I might look in this afternoon—" "I'm afraid we must not think of it at present. Thanks very much, all the same." "Really! I am sorry. It would give you a short rest. Well,—if it must not be—By the bye, is dear Doris with you this morning?" "I've not seen her to-day." "Then she does not always come directly after breakfast?" Mrs. Ramsay said—"Oh no,"—not seeing whither the question tended. "Ah,—she gets a little walk first. And Mr. Maurice?" "He generally comes in about eleven or twelve." "I see. Yes, I see. And you are quite sure you cannot make any use of me. I should have been charmed." Mrs. Brutt withdrew, sweetly smiling; her mind busy. "Now I wonder where they are," she said to herself, as she sauntered away; for by this time she was in a state of highly-strung alertness with regard to the lovers, besides being eaten up with curiosity. From a worldly-wise point of view, if they wished to secure secrecy, Maurice and Doris would have been wise to take the widow into their confidence. Had they done so, she would have fussed and protested, but the being told would have gratified her sense of importance, and she would have arrayed her forces on their side. To be made acquainted with the affair before even the Rector and the Squire, would have meant a degree of distinction, which she would thoroughly have appreciated. Despite her love of talk, she could keep a secret entrusted to her care; and she loved to be confided in.