I was right behind them, and I couldn't get away, so I just couldn't help hearing what they said.
They were looking across the room at Mother.

Mr.Harlow was talking to her.

He was leaning forward in his chair and talking so earnestly to Mother; and he looked just as if he thought there wasn't another soul in the room but just they two.

But Mother--Mother was just listening to be polite to company.

Anybody could see that.