"The strange man--that's it." This summary description sufficed now to
Mr. Betterman's achieved indifference. "But you've seen him?"
"Just for an instant."
"And that was enough?"
"Well, I don't know." Gray himself gave it up. "You're _all_ so fiercely
interesting!"
"I think Rosanna's lovely!" Miss Good enough contributed, to all
appearance as an attenuation, while she tucked their companion in.
"Oh Miss Gaw's quite another matter," our young man still paused long
enough to reply.
"Well, I don't mean but what she's interesting in her way too," Miss
Goodenough's conscience prompted.
"Oh he knows all about her. That's all right," Mr. Betterman remarked
for his nurse's benefit.
"Why of course I know it," this lady candidly answered. "Miss Mumby and
I have had to feel that. I guess he'll want to send her his love," she
continued across to Gray.
"To Miss Mumby?" asked Gray, his general bewilderment having moments of
aggravation.
"Why no--_she's_ sure of his affection. To Miss Gaw. Don't you want,"
she inquired of her patient, "to send your love to that poor anxious
girl?"
"Is she anxious?" Gray returned in advance of his uncle.
Miss Goodenough hung fire but a moment. "Well, I guess I'd be in her
place. But you'll see.
"Then," said Gray to his host, "if Rosanna's in trouble I'll go to her
at once."
The old man, at this, once more delivered himself. "She won't be in
trouble--any more than I am. But tell her--tell her----!"
"Yes, sir"--Gray had again to wait.
But Miss Goodenough now would have no more of it. "Tell her that _we're_
about as fresh as we can live!"--the wave of her hand accompanying which
Gray could take at last for his dismissal.