waste time looking out but instead flung himself behind
the upright piano which stood out from the wall. Nor was he a moment
too soon for the massive form of Mr. Bolt was framed in the French
windows. Mrs. Barraclough took three steps toward him as also did
Flora, thus preventing a definite intrusion into the room.

"I beg your pardon--I do indeed beg your pardon," said Bolt in tones as
rich as the fat of pork, "but I fancy--I rather imagine--I--yes, to be
sure, left a pair of gloves on your sofa."

"If you had rung the bell, sir, your property would have been restored
to you in the usual manner. I cannot----"

She stopped as her uninvited guest was sniffing the air suspiciously.

"Mrs. Barraclough," he observed, shaking his head sadly, "I fear I have
caught you smoking."

Behind the piano Anthony was feverishly extinguishing his pipe with the
ball of his thumb.

"I smoke all day," replied Mrs. Barraclough.

The door opened and Jane came in with an abnormally large whiskey and
soda which she nearly dropped at the sight of the visitor.

"Oh! Mrs. Barraclough!" said Bolt, pointing an accusing finger.

But the old lady was equal to the moment.

"And drink," she said, seizing the glass and swallowing an immense gulp
that almost paralysed the muscles of her throat.

Mr. Bolt smiled cynically and took his gloves from Flora's outstretched
hand.

"Gloves are so expensive nowadays, are they not?" he asked.

"To be frank, Mr. Bolt, I do not wish to discuss with you either gloves
or Christianity," said Mrs. Barraclough. "I would be glad if you would
kindly leave by the way you came."

"I was about to do so, madam, after first thanking you for your
hospitality."

Maybe it was appreciation of his mother's inflexible bearing that
caused Anthony to relax, but whatever the reason the result was
disastrous. There was a small table alongside of where he stood hidden
upon which was a vase of sweet peas. Anthony's elbow struck and
overset it. There was a splash of water and a tinkle of glass.

The three women held their breath and Mr. Bolt's eyebrows went up and
down twice very quickly. Then he smiled.

"Once again allow me to thank you for your hospitality," he said.

"Show this person out," said Mrs. Barraclough.

And under the escort of Jane and Flora he was peremptorily bustled off
the premises.

"H'm," said Anthony, coming out from behind the piano. "That was a
pity."

Mrs. Barraclough was almost