be never to get Mrs. Bailey’s uninfluenced opinion. She would not give it unless she were asked.
“I’m awfully sorry for her,” she said in Eve’s voice. That would mean just her poverty and her few clothes and delicate health. There could be an insincere discussion. It might end in nothing and the mean selfish joy would still be waiting upstairs as soon as one had forgotten that it was mean and selfish.
“So am I ” said Mrs. Bailey heartily. There was anger in her face. There really was something, some really bad opinion about Eleanor. Mrs. Bailey thought these things more important than joyful freedom. She was one of those people who would do things; then there were other people too; then one need not trouble about what it was or warn people against Eleanor. The world would find out and protect itself, passing her on. If Mrs. Bailey felt there was something wrong, no one need feel blamed for thinking so. There was. What was it?
“I’m the last to be down on anyone in difficulties” said Mrs. Bailey.
“Oh yes.” It was coming.
“It’s the way of people I look to.” She stopped. If she were not pressed she would say no more.
“Oh, by the way, Mrs. Bailey, has her bill been settled?” The voice of Mrs. Lionel … she’s unsquashable my dear, absolutely unsquashable. You never saw anything like it in your life . But she’s done frerself in Weston. It might finish the talk.
“That’s all in order young lady. It’s not that at all.”
“Oh, I know. I’m glad though.”
“I had my own suspicions before you told me you’d be responsible. I never thought about that.”