confidence is it you allude? Has Catherine made you take a vow of eternal secrecy?"
"By no means. Catherine has not told me as much as she might. She has not been very trustful."
"It is the young man, then, who has made you his confidant? Allow me to say that it is extremely indiscreet of you to form secret alliances with young men. You don't know where they may lead you."
"I don't know what you mean by an alliance," said Mrs. Penniman. "I take a great interest in Mr. Townsend; I won't conceal that. But that's all."
"Under the circumstances, that is quite enough. What is the source of your interest in Mr. Townsend?"
"Why," said Mrs. Penniman, musing, and then breaking into her smile, "that he is so interesting!"
The Doctor felt that he had need of his patience.
"And what makes him interesting? his good looks?"
"His misfortunes, Austin."
"Ah, he has had misfortunes? That, of course, is always interesting. Are you at liberty to mention a few of Mr. Townsend's?"
