It was pointed out to him, but he took slight interest.
“What I want now,” he said, “is to have you take me to call briefly on two or three of the most knowing people in Hilldale, I mean the ones who know most about gossipy goings on, and include, if you please, the lady who was last at the tea—Marsden, is the name?”
“All right,” Betty chirped, feeling that this was her chance. “I’ll know where to go, Pete. Not the Stevensons’, not the Ballards’. The Marsdens’ come first, and then Sally Kirke’s and Jane Wolcott’s.”
“Good choice,” Pete approved. “Marsdens’ it is.”
They went to the Marsden house, another large, beautiful mansion, and were received most kindly.
Mrs. Marsden, an elderly dame, was disinclined to talk much, but her niece a vivacious young person more than made up for it.
“
