"I wonder why she hasn't spread the tale," asked Truthful, eager for the news to circulate.
Lady Badgery responded that only illness or a negative reflection on her would prevent Portia Troutbridge from sharing the story, as she’s usually eager to share scandals. Truthful expressed hope that Portia might be only slightly ill to delay the gossip, but Lady Badgery wished for something more serious to keep the secret longer, even suggesting severe illnesses like scarlet fever or the plague.