" … I wonder why she hasn't spread the tale." " The only reason she would not is if she is ill or the story would somehow reflect badly on herself," replied Lady Badgery. " Otherwise, Portia Troutbridge has never been known to keep a scandal to herself." " Oh, I do hope she is ill!" exclaimed Truthful. " I mean, only just ill enough to keep the news quiet for a little longer. Is that too dreadful of me?" " Not at all," announced Lady Badgery. " It is a very reasonable desire. In the case of Portia Troutbridge I myself would wish for something much more severe. Scarlet fever, perhaps. Or the plague. "