He posted off to Rainy River today , and wo n't be back for a fortnight . She 'll be gone then . '' `` Rather rough on Spencer after the way she encouraged him , '' returned the other as they passed out of earshot . Violet got up . All the callers were gone , and she swept in to Mrs. Hill dramatically . `` Edith , '' she said in the cold , steady voice that , to those who knew her , meant breakers ahead for somebody , `` Mr. Spencer was here yesterday when I was riding with the Major , was he not ? What did you tell him about me ? '' Mrs. Hill looked at Violet 's blazing eyes and wilted . `` I -- did n't tell him anything -- much . '' `` What was it ? '' Mrs. Hill began to sob . `` Do n't look at me like that , Violet ! He just dropped in and we were talking about you -- at least I was -- and I had heard that Harry St. Maur was paying you marked attention before you came west -- and -- and that some people thought you were engaged -- and so -- and so -- '' `` You told Mr. Spencer that I was engaged to Harry St. Maur ? '' `` No-o-o -- I just hinted . I did n't mean an-any harm . I never dreamed you 'd really c-care . I thought you were just amusing yourself -- and so did everybody -- and I wanted Ned Madison -- '' Violet had turned very pale . `` I love him , '' she said hoarsely , `` and you 've sent him away . He 's gone to Rainy River . I shall never see him again ! ''
`` Oh , yes , you will , '' gasped Mrs. XXXXX faintly .
Edith Hill Madison Major Maur River Spencer Violet earshot fortnight