e wasn't nice. I
thought she was fast, or she'd been divorced, or something--something
terrible of that sort."

She still sat bolt upright, gazing open-eyed, open-mouthed at the
terror. She was filled with a fierce excitement, a sort of exultation.
Then doubt came to her.

"But surely--surely the hotel people would know?"

"Hotel people never know anything that isn't their interest to know. If
there were any complaint, or if any of the guests were to leave on
account of her, Mrs. Tailleur would have to go."

"And has there been any complaint?"

"I believe Mr. Soutar--the clergyman--has spoken to the manager."

"And the manager?"

"Well, you see, Mr. Soutar is always complaining. He complained about
the food, and about his bedroom. He has the cheapest bedroom in the
hotel."

Miss Keating was thinking hard. Her idea was that Kitty Tailleur should
go, and that she should remain.

"Don't you think if Colonel Hankin spoke to the manager----"

"He wouldn't. He's much too kind. Besides, the manager can't do anything
as long as she behaves herself. And now that the Lucys have taken her
up----. And then, there's you. Your being with her is her great
protection. As she very well knew when she engaged you."

"I was engaged for _that_?"

"There can be very little doubt of it."

"Oh! then nobody thinks that I knew it? That I'm like her?"

"Nobody _could_ think that of you."

"What am I to do? I'm so helpless, and I've no one to advise me. And
it's not as if we really knew anything."

"My dear, I think you should leave her."

"Of course I shall leave her. I can't stay another day. But I don't know
how I ought to do it."

"Would you like to consult Colonel Hankin?"

"Oh no; I don't think I could bear to speak about it to him."

"Well--and perhaps he would not like to be brought into it, either."

"Then what reason can I give her?"

"Of course you cannot tell her what you've heard."

Miss Keating was silent.

"Or if you do, you must please not give me as your informant."

"I will not do that."

"Nor--please--Colonel and Mrs. Hankin. We none of us want to be mixed up
with any unpleasant business."

"You may trust me," said Miss Keating. "I am very discreet."

She rose. The old lady held her with detaining eyes.

"What shall you do when you have left her?"

"I suppose I shall have to look for another place."

"You are not going home, then?"

Miss Keating's half-smile hinted at renunciation. "I ha