Cara felt that under the circumstances, it would be more dignified to leave the ice untouched,--but it was characteristic of her, that she gobbled down the remainder of the Pêche Melba, and left an empty plate. “Of course, I know that I may rely on you to keep what you have heard to yourself?” continued her companion,--Miss Plassy had thoroughly enjoyed this interview;--a most pernicious satisfaction! but were the details to reach the ear of Mrs. Hesketh, the result might prove unpleasant, and a hinted-at reward be inflexibly withheld. “Yes, you may be sure I shall hold my tongue and lie low for the present. It was awfully kind of you to tell me, and if--if--what you say ever comes true, you must stay with me and have a ripping time.” “All right, I’ll remind you!” responded Lydia gaily.--(How delightful to kill two birds with one stone, and receive grateful acknowledgments from two quarters.) “There’s five o’clock striking now,” she added, rising as she spoke; “if you want to catch the boat, you must run for your life; here is your parasol--here are your gloves--fly!” CHAPTER XXXII It was at a late hour for Les Plans, when Letty, seeing a light, timidly pushed open the kitchen door, and beheld Frau Hurter bending over the table, iron in hand, and oh, happy opportunity, alone! She was nervously anxious to have a little private talk about Cara--but how to begin? “I wonder if you would mind pressing this?” she enquired, exhibiting a strip of delicate embroidery. “See, it is finished at last.” “Yes,” assented Frau Hurter, straightening herself, taking it from her, and examining it carefully. “Beautiful work,--and should fetch a good price.” (‘A good price’ was her _ne plus ultra_ of attainment.) “It is for a blouse for Mitli.” “Ah--true--everything is for Mitli.” “I’m afraid she is out of favour with you?” ventured her mother timidly. “Ach ye! She is indeed changed. It is another Mitli, _Mein Frau_. I have eyes and ears, and I hear tales--half of them I do not believe--for I still love the _kindli_--I cannot help myself.” “What have you heard? I implore you to tell me. Who has been talking?” “Elizabeth Baer for one. I met her a few days ago at market, and she came over and spoke, and said that Mitli is a Wustus Madel, and had a bad influence on her girl Berthe--she had forbidden her the house!” “No!” ejaculated Letty in a tone of angry astonishment. “Impossible!” “Yes; Mitli puts ideas into Berthe’s head, ideas about money, dress, and young men, and she makes the girl her tool, and has, Jesus Maria! corrupted her mind.” “My child corrupt anyone! How dared she say such things!” “At least she makes trouble,--and now she no longer is received--no, not these two months.” “Oh, surely you must be mistaken,” but the remonstrance was half-hearted; “she was there last week.” “No doubt Mitli pretends she still goes to Les Lilacs--it has its conveniences.” “But if not at the Baers,--_where_ is she?”