The Pussum’s eyes had a hot flash.

‘Oh, he’s weally bwought it off then, has he? When was he married?’

‘A week or two ago.’

‘Weally! He’s never written.’

‘No.’

‘No. Don’t you think it’s too bad?’

This last was in a tone of challenge. The Pussum let it be known by her tone, that she was aware of Gudrun’s listening.

‘I suppose he didn’t feel like it,’ replied Gerald.

‘But why didn’t he?’ pursued the Pussum.