n hour before he came and ordered me away, I contrived to establish
between myself and the invalid a very sufficient understanding, and I
left him feeling that, so far as lay in my power, he was warned
against his enemies, and knew them, at least, as well as I did.

Upon one question, however, we differed. As I was about to take leave,
I said: 'There is one thing that I foresee, and that is a renewal of
your social relations with Miss Jenrys and a beginning of the same
with her aunt. I can see reasons why it might be better--might
simplify matters--if you kept up at least an outside appearance of
coolness. You understand?'

'Yes.' He was silent for a little time, then: 'Will this be of actual
use or help to you?'

'Only as your meetings may complicate matters by making new trouble
for yourself, or--possibly--her.'

'Then,' said he, looking me straight in the eye, 'Miss Jenrys must
decide the question.'

As I came out from the hospital that day I came face to face with
Monsieur Voisin. He paused a moment, as if in doubt, and then came
quickly toward me, one hand extended, a smile upon his face. His
greeting was the perfection of courtesy, and I, of course, responded
in kind.

After a few remarks of the usual sort, a word regarding the weather,
which was perfect, and praises of the Fair, Monsieur Voisin, who had
seen me emerge from the hospital, said:

'So it is here that this great Fair cares for its sick and
unfortunate? Have you been inspecting its methods, may I ask?'

There are times when the truth is best; and I thought I knew my man,
so I replied smilingly:

'A hospital is not in itself charming. I have been to call upon a
friend.'

'That, indeed! A patient, I suppose?'

'A patient, yes.' I felt sure that he was not inclined to tarry, nor
in truth was I; but I let him take the initiative, and after a few
more airy, courteous words he murmured something about an appointment,
and went his way.

When he was quite out of sight I went back to the guard near the door
of the hospital, who had grown to know me quite well.

'Did you notice the man who just spoke with me?' I asked him.

'Yes, sir.'

'Ever see him before?'

'I have that. A few days ago he stopped and asked after one of the
patients--feller that fell into the lagoon the other night. Said he'd
heard that a young man fell off a bridge.'

'And--may I ask how you answered him?'

The guard looked at me quizzically. 'Well, you see, we've bee