"But if I try to do that, it gives you away. You're not supposed to have told me." "Then give me away," came back instantly. "Only get him out. He's a dangerous rascal--and not fit for any decent man or woman to talk to. How in Heaven's name she can----" "Perhaps she's frightened," I pleaded. He answered only "Kick him out," and cut off communication. She did not look at all frightened when I went in. She was standing opposite Powers, smiling gayly and mischievously. Powers was apparently just taking his leave. So much gained! I determined to go to the hall with him and give him a hint, on Cartmell's behalf, that he need not come again. But things were not to be as easy as that. "Well, then, we shall see you at eight o'clock," said Jenny, giving him her hand. "Delighted," said he, bowing low. "Good afternoon. Good afternoon, Miss Chatters." Chat was sitting by, tatting. She habitually tatted. "This is my old friend Mr. Nelson Powers," said Jenny. "Mr. Powers--Mr. Austin." We bowed--neither of us cordially. The man's eyes were wary and very alert; he looked at me as though I might be a policeman in plain clothes; possibly my expression gave him some excuse. Jenny rang the bell. "Mr. Powers is coming back to dinner. You'll come, of course? We shall have a pleasant little party of four!" "I'm sorry, but I'm engaged to dinner to-night." Jenny gave me a quick look, Chat gave me a long one. Loft appeared. "_Au revoir_, Mr. Powers!" With a pronounced bow over his hat Powers was out of the room. I made no effort to follow. Jenny's face told me that the battle was to be fought where we were. She poured out a cup of tea and gave it to me. Then, as she sat down, she said, "I'm sorry you can't come to-night. Where are you going?" I did not want Chat there--but I remembered what happened to Cartmell when he did not want me there. "I'm not going anywhere," I said. Her pallid face flushed a little, but she smiled. Chat looked at her and got up; no, Chat was not altogether a fool! "Yes, please, Chat," said Jenny very quietly. Chat left us. I finished my tea--it was cold, and easy to gulp down--and waited for the storm. "You've nothing to add to your polite excuses?" she inquired. "Does that gentleman come from Cheltenham?" "Yes, from Cheltenham, Mr. Austin. But how did you come to know that? Did my father mention him?" She was not embarrassed--only very angry. "No." "It was Mr. Cartmell?" "Yes. He had no right, I daresay, but I'm glad he did--and so will he be." "If both my solicitor and my secretary are glad--!" She broke off with a scornful laugh. "I'm not going to discuss the matter with you, but I like people who are about me to receive my invitations with politeness." "This isn't easy for me, Miss Driver, but--that man oughtn't to come to this house. He oughtn't to be allowed to see you."