h a time.
Everything depended on his answer, for the man would undoubtedly be
shot if he could not prove his innocence, and the officer lied
unhesitatingly. 'I remember perfectly,' he said. 'You were there.'
What would you have done?"

"I should have done the same," said Philippa quickly.

"So should I," agreed Isabella. "I am absolutely certain of it. But I
don't know that that proves the morality of it. Ours is a woman's
point of view, and I am not at all sure that there isn't some
foundation for the statement that a woman's idea of honour is easier
than a man's. It is a humiliating reflection. And yet,
notwithstanding that, I still feel that if such a thing as a human life
depended on my lying I should lie. And I don't think I should have any
fear of the slate of the recording angel either. I am afraid you will
be shocked at these unorthodox opinions, and consider me a dangerous
acquaintance, but I can assure you that I am generally considered a
truthful person Fortunately these stern tests to my veracity do not
occur every day."

Philippa laughed. "I am not afraid," she said.

At this moment Mrs. Palling reappeared. "Didn't I say that were true?"
she announced triumphantly. "That poor little thing's gone. Milsom's
Jimmy jus' come up to tell me. You haven't got such a thing as a bit
o' crape about you, have you, miss? I'm sorry to trouble you, but I
haven't a scrap left."

"I am afraid I haven't," replied Isabella. "Does Mrs. Milsom want
crape?"

"Why no, ma'm. Crape ain't for her as would be more likely to be
wantin' bread-an'-butter; but I did think I'd like just to take a bit
to them bees. 'Tis real important to let them know when there's a
death about, and I always like just to tie a bit o' crape on the hives,
if you would be so good."

Isabella preserved a solemnity of manner suitable to the occasion, but
her mouth twitched with hardly suppressed laughter as she regretted her
inability to comply with the request, but suggested that a piece of
black ribbon which she happened to possess would perhaps do as well.

Mrs. Palling seemed a little doubtful at first as to whether the bees
might not consider this exchange in the light of an attempt to defraud
them of their just due; but after some consideration she assented, and
departed in search of the mark of complimentary mourning. At the door
she paused, and looking back, she said with a low triumphant chuckle--

"I knew 'twere true.