eserted parlour feeling far more uncomfortable than he
liked to confess. He was methodical and fussy, but he was by no means an
ill-natured man. He thought Mrs Potts most impertinent, but her news
distressed him. After reflecting for a few moments, he went across to
the fireplace, and pulled his bell sharply. After a short pause the
kitchen slavey answered his summons: her eyes were red with weeping, and
her nose very smutty. Mr Martin hated dirty servants. He turned his
back to her as he spoke.

'Jane, is your mistress in?'

'Yes, sir. Please sir, we're all distraught with grief. You have heard
of the--the--'

'I have heard of the calamity, through Mrs Potts. Can I speak to your
mistress?'

'I'll inquire, please sir. Missus is having her fourth hysteric fit just
now.'

'Then I beg'--Mr Martin's face grew quite white--'I beg you won't disturb
her until she is equal to seeing me.' ('How awful if the fifth comes on
in this room,' he mentally thought. 'I've a good mind to tell her not to
disturb herself.')

But Jane had vanished.

In about a quarter of an hour Mrs Franklin appeared. She was pale, but
her grief was temperate.

'Yes,' she said, 'I am in very great distress. The children, Peter and
Flossy, have evidently run away with that poor baby. Flossy was in the
room when you spoke to me this morning, Mr Martin, and she must have
taken fright at your words. The children took the opportunity to leave
the house when I was out marketing. Your steak is being cooked, Mr
Martin. I must apologise for the delay.'

'Madam, I beg you won't mention it. I am deeply grieved that this should
have happened, and that I am the cause. I am more grieved than I can
possibly express. I would rather lie awake all night listening to those
yells of that miserable infant than that this--this--should have
happened. The alarm, the upsetting of the household routine, the inroad
into my sanctum of that awful female--h'm--of your drawing-room
lodger--and last but not least, the danger to three innocent human
creatures. I am overpowered with remorse at the sorry part I have played
myself.'

'Don't mention it, Mr Martin. I always said there'd be trouble when the
baby was brought. It can't be helped now. Of course we must keep it,
but I'm sorry to lose a valuable and considerate lodger like yourself,
sir.'

'H'm! Are any steps being taken to recover the children?'

'My husband has gone to the nearest police-s