"That's because they never go into details.

They're not so vulgar as to come right out and TELL that you've been in jail for stealing chickens.
They just look absent-minded and say in a low voice, 'Oh, very; but I scarcely think you'd like her particularly'; and then begin to talk of something else right away." His smile had disappeared.

"Yes," he said, somewhat ruefully.

"That does sound like Mildred.

You certainly do seem to know her! Do you know everybody as well as that ?" "Not myself," Alice said.