— 9 —“I’ve let my little house, Susan.”
“Oh! For how long?”
“It is not decided. I meet Mr. Bellis again tomorrow.”
Susan tried to forget her own discomforts and to show an interest in her friend’s affairs, for she was conscious that for once Mrs. Sacret wanted to talk about herself. Sewing industriously in the rosy light of the silver lamp she recounted her interview with her tenant. Susan thought it sounded very dull and wondered why Olivia seemed so interested, even excited and pleased.
“What was he like, Olivia?”
“I hardly know. I scarcely looked at him, or noticed. All I was thinking of was letting the house.”
“Why were you in such a hurry, dear? And a painter, you say. A stranger, without references—who would not pay in advance! I’m sure I don’t know much about business—but I th
