She spoke eagerly, as though specially anxious that her words should carry conviction, but somehow or other Tony felt a little sceptical. He couldn't forget the fierce persistence of the two men, which seemed quite out of keeping with the idea that they had been interrupted in a mere piece of wanton impertinence. Besides, if what she said about them were true it would hardly account for her unreasoning terror that they might have followed her to the restaurant. Being polite by nature, however, he was careful to show no sign of doubting her statement. He allowed the waiter to help them both to some attractive looking mystery in aspic, and then, when they were again alone, he leaned forward and observed with sympathy: "Well, I'm glad we happened to roll up at the right time. It's always jolly to give that sort of gentlemen a lesson in manners." He paused. "Have you made any kind of plans about what you are going to do next?" She shook her head. "I--I haven't quite decided," she said. "I suppose I must find some place to stay at until Miss Watson comes back." "How long will that be?" "I don't know. You see she has just gone away and shut up the flat, and left no address." "Haven't you any other friends in London?" She shook her head again. "Nobody," she said, "at least nobody who could help me." Then she hesitated. "I have lived in Paris nearly all my life," she added by way of explanation. There was a brief silence. "If you will forgive my mentioning such a sordid topic," remarked Tony pleasantly, "what do you propose to do about money?" "I can get some money to-morrow," she answered. "I can sell some jewellery--this ring for instance--and there are other things in my bag." "And to-night?" She glanced round rather desperately. "I don't know. I must go somewhere. I was thinking that perhaps I could sit in one of the churches--or there might be a convent--" She broke off with a little glance, as if appealing to Tony for his advice. "Why not go to a hotel?" he suggested. "If you will allow me, I will lend you some money, and you can pay me back when it's convenient." She flushed slightly. "Oh!" she stammered, "you are so kind. Perhaps if I could find some quite quiet place--" She stopped again, but looking at her, Tony could see the old hunted expression still lurking in her eyes. Somehow he felt certain that she was thinking about the two strangers. A sudden brilliant idea suggested itself to him. "Look here!" he exclaimed. "How would this do? My butler's wife--Mrs. Spalding--has got a small house just off Heath Street, Hampstead. I know she lets rooms and I am pretty nearly sure that just at present there is no one there. Why shouldn't we run up in the car and have a look at the place? She could fix you up for the night anyway, and if you find you like it you can stay on there till your Miss--Miss Thingumbob comes back."