But I threw a strong note of assurance into my voice as I
went on: 'Girl, this is a monstrous action on your part to
listen--er--overhear at doors and repeat conversations of a most
delicate nature to a third party.'
'What-ho,' put in Elizabeth.
'Now let me show you the mistake under which you are labouring. It is
true my name is William, but William is a common name. I have
remarked, indeed, that the world is pretty full of Williams. Miss
Warrington was in no way referring to me.'
'I don't think,' commented Elizabeth.
'Evidently you don't,' I said severely, 'or you would not make such
absurd statements.'
'I ain't done yet,' went on this diabolical creature. 'You say it
wasn't meant fer you? Listen. When Miss Marryun goes on wringin' 'er
'ands an' sobbin', "I love my Willyum," missus ses, "But 'ow can you
love such a big ugly brute of a man wot's allus throwin' 'is tobacco
ash about the place, and scrapin' the fendy with 'is feet and never
wears a fancy westcoat even at evernin' parties. 'Ow can you love
him?" she arsks.
'"I don't know myself," ses Miss Marryun, "but there it is. I'd rather
die than live without my Willyum."'
'Silence,' I burst out fiercely, 'do you think I don't know that all
this is pure invention on your part--for what reason I, as yet, cannot
tell. How dare you concoct such tales?'
'Wait till I've finished, please, sir.
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