Sue lowered her head, and knitted her brows in a look of defeat that was almost comical. "Well," she observed presently, "as Ikey says, 'Always you can't do it.'" Seeing the way clear for himself, her brother's attitude became more sure. "I'm afraid you've only made things worse," he declared. Balcome flapped his hat. "We had her in pretty good temper--for a woman." Thus championed, the younger man grew even bolder. "And I thought you were going to keep out of this," he went on; "you promised mother----" Now of a sudden, Sue lost that manner at once apologetic and childlike. "When did you know Miss Crosby?" she demanded of Wallace, sharply. "How long ago?" "The year I met Alan.--I was eighteen." "And _you_ didn't have anything to do with this trouble? You're not responsible in any way?" "Now why are you coming at me?" expostulated her brother. There was an unpleasant whine in his voice. But Balcome failed to note it. "By golly!" he complained. "Women are all alike!" "I'm coming at you," explained Sue, "because I know Alan Farvel. And I don't believe he could do any woman such a hurt that she wouldn't want to see him again, or forgive him. That's why." "But you think _I_ could! I must say, you're a nice sister!" "_I_ must say that your whole attitude today has been curious, to put it mildly." "If I don't satisfy your woman's curiosity, you get even by putting me in the wrong." Again there was that unpleasant whine. "No. But Mr. Farvel was relieved when he thought you had told me about this matter. And the fact is, you haven't told me at all." He was cornered. His tall figure sagged. And his eyes fell before his sister's. "I--I," he began. Then in an outburst, "It's Hattie I'm thinking of! Hattie!" "Ah, as if _I_ don't think of Hattie!" Sue's voice trembled. "I want to think you've had nothing to do with this. I couldn't bear it if anything hurt her--her happiness--with you." Outside, the stairs creaked heavily. Then sounded a _bang, bang,_ as of some heavy thing falling. Next came Tottie's voice, shrill, and strangely triumphant: "Hey there! You're tryin' to sneak! Yes, you are! And you haven't paid me!" Sue understood. She opened the hall door, and took her place beside Clare as if to defend her. The latter could not speak, but stood, a pathetic figure, holding to a suitcase with one hand, and with the other carrying the bird-cage. "Get back in there!" ordered Tottie, beginning to descend from the upper landing. Clare obeyed, Sue helping her with the suitcase. "I'll send the money," she pleaded. "I--I meant to. Oh, Tottie!" Tottie was down by now, scowling and nursing a foot, for she had slipped. She made "shooing" gestures at Clare. "How much does Miss Crosby owe you?" asked Sue, getting between Clare and the landlady. "Sixteen dollars--and some telephone calls." "Let me----" It was Wallace. He ran a hand into a pocket.