However, when Eugene Hautville drew near, there was a slight shuffling stir; a drawling hum of conversation ceased, and when he entered the store their eyes followed him, bright with furtive attention.

The mill of gossip had ground slowly in this heavy spring atmosphere, but it had ground steadily.

They had been discussing Madelon Hautville and the breaking off of her marriage with Lot Gordon.

It was village property by this time, and all tongues were exercised over it.
"Why ain't Lot Gordon goin' to marry her ?" they asked each other, and exchanged answering looks of dark suspicion.

The reason for not marrying which Lot used every means in his power to promulgate--his fast-failing health--gained little credence.