"Hotel people never know anything that isn't their interest to know. If there were any complaint, or if any of the guests were to leave on account of her, Mrs. Tailleur would have to go." "And has there been any complaint?" "I believe Mr. Soutar--the clergyman--has spoken to the manager." "And the manager?" "Well, you see, Mr. Soutar is always complaining. He complained about the food, and about his bedroom. He has the cheapest bedroom in the hotel." Miss Keating was thinking hard. Her idea was that Kitty Tailleur should go, and that she should remain. "Don't you think if Colonel Hankin spoke to the manager----" "He wouldn't. He's much too kind. Besides, the manager can't do anything as long as she behaves herself. And now that the Lucys have taken her up----. And then, there's you. Your being with her is her great protection. As she very well knew when she engaged you." "I was engaged for _that_?" "There can be very little doubt of it." "Oh! then nobody thinks that I knew it? That I'm like her?" "Nobody _could_ think that of you." "What am I to do? I'm so helpless, and I've no one to advise me. And it's not as if we really knew anything." "My dear, I think you should leave her." "Of course I shall leave her. I can't stay another day. But I don't know how I ought to do it." "Would you like to consult Colonel Hankin?" "Oh no; I don't think I could bear to speak about it to him." "Well--and perhaps he would not like to be brought into it, either." "Then what reason can I give her?" "Of course you cannot tell her what you've heard." Miss Keating was silent. "Or if you do, you must please not give me as your informant." "I will not do that." "Nor--please--Colonel and Mrs. Hankin. We none of us want to be mixed up with any unpleasant business." "You may trust me," said Miss Keating. "I am very discreet." She rose. The old lady held her with detaining eyes. "What shall you do when you have left her?" "I suppose I shall have to look for another place." "You are not going home, then?" Miss Keating's half-smile hinted at renunciation. "I have too many younger sisters." "Well, let me see. I shall be going back to Surbiton the day after to-morrow. How would it be if you were to come with me?" "Oh, Mrs.--Mrs.----" The smile wavered, but it held its place. "Mrs. Jurd. If we suited each other you might stay with me, at any rate for a week or two. I've been a long time looking out for a companion." Miss Keating's smile was now strained with hesitation. Mrs. Jurd was not an invalid, and she was interested in Miss Keating. These were points in her favour. On the other hand, nobody who could do better would choose to live with Mrs. Jurd and wind wool and talk about the deep-sea fishermen. "I am living," said Mrs. Jurd, "with my nephew at Surbiton. I have to keep his house for him." "Then do you think you would really need any one?"