tfully homely room at the
corner house, enjoying the rare treat of a _tete-a-tete_ with Delia.
The men of the family were out, and two minutes before the maid had
announced "Mrs Wright from the District," and "Could the mistress
possibly see her?" whereupon Mrs Gordon had sighed, and said: "He is
out of work again, and she _is_ such a talker! Delia, dear, will you
go? Give her half-a-crown, and say I'm tired." But Delia, as a rule
the most helpful of daughters, resolutely refused.

"No, mother; it's your duty. The vicar says you give far too much.
It's pandering, and makes it hard for the other visitors. Besides,
I'd _never_ get rid of her! Be a good, brave lady, and do your duty."

So Mrs Gordon had departed, when Delia immediately turned to Lessing,
and announced triumphantly:

"She won't be back for a good half-hour! I've been longing for a
chance of talking to you alone," and proceeded to cross-question as
before stated. "Yes, you _are_ scared." Delia repeated. "When
anyone enters the room suddenly you jump and look round as if you
expected to see a policeman and a pair of handcuffs. It makes me
quite nervous even to watch you. And," her voice sank to a deeper
note, "you look ill, Val! _What is it_?"

Lessing bent forward in his chair, his hands clasped loosely together
between his knees; there was a look in his eyes which brought the
colour surging into Delia's cheeks.

"I can tell you honestly, Delia, that I have done nothing to make me
fear a policeman or handcuffs, but--I _am_ worried!" For a passing
moment he struggled with the temptation to confess the truth, but this
point had been mentally argued time and again, always with the same
conclusion. To confide his story would be to include his confidante
in his own danger, since it was hardly possible that he would not feel
called upon to take active steps against the Brethren. "I can't tell
you the why and wherefore, I wish I could, but I can assure you that I
have no cause to be ashamed."

"Oh, bother ashamed!" cried Delia hotly. "_Why_ are you scared? Has
anyone been--er--nasty to you, Val? A man in the office--jealous of
you because you have got on so well. Forged a cheque and pretended it
was you, or put money in your drawer like they do in books, you know,
when they have a grudge? Is it something like that, and you are
afraid in case they suspect you and sen