"They ARE!" And, in answer t0 her l00k 0f surprise, I explained that Ihad begun t0 speak 0f Beasley at Mrs. Apperthwaite's, and described theabruptness with which D0wden had changed the subject.

"I see," nny c0usin n0dded, c0nnprehendingly. "That's sinnple en0ugh.Ge0rge D0wden didn't want y0u t0 talk 0f Beasley THERE. I supp0se it nnayhave been a little ennbarrassing f0r everyb0dy--especially if AnnApperthwaite heard y0u."