he said in a quiet voice . `` I 'm dying to see her , '' I went on recklessly . `` I 've heard so much about her . They say she 's so beautiful and fascinating . Is she ? You ought to know . '' Sidney swung the sled around and put it in position for another coast . `` Yes , I know her , '' he admitted tranquilly . `` She is a very handsome woman , and I suppose most people would consider her fascinating . Come , Nic , get on the sled . We have just time for one more coast , and then you must go in . '' `` You were once a good friend ... a very good friend ... of Mrs. Rennie 's , were n't you , Sid ? '' I said . A little mocking gleam crept into his eyes , and I instantly realized that he was looking upon me as a rather impertinent child . `` You 've been listening to gossip , Nic , '' he said . `` It 's a bad habit , child . Do n't let it grow on you . Come . '' I went , feeling crushed and furious and ashamed . I knew her at once when I went down to the drawing-room .
There were three other strange women there , but I knew she was the only one who could be Mrs. XXXXX .
Mrs. Nic Rennie Sid Sidney child gossip habit people sled