"Is that what they do say ?" he asked.
"Just about! Whatever they hope will get results." She shook her head wisely.

"Oh, yes; we do that here!" "But I don't mind loose shoe-strings," he said.

"Not if they're yours." "They'll find out what you do mind." "But suppose," he said, looking at her whimsically; "suppose I wouldn't mind anything--so long as it's yours ?" She courtesied.

"Oh, pretty enough! But a girl who's talked about has a weakness that's often a fatal one." "What is it ?" "It's this: when she's talked about she isn't THERE.

That's how they kill her." "I'm afraid I don't follow you." "Don't you see?
If Henrietta--or Mildred--or any of 'em--or some of their mothers--oh, we ALL do it! Well, if any of 'em told you I didn't tie my shoe-strings, and if I were there, so that you could see me, you'd know it wasn't true.