"No," he answered; "Miss Crestwick." She did not speak, but there was something in her manner that hinted at disdainful amusement. "I think you're hardly fair to her," he said. "It's possible," Millicent replied carelessly. "Does it matter?" "Well," he broke out with some warmth, "the girl hasn't such an easy time among you; and one can only respect her for the way she stands by her brother." "Have you anything to say in his favor?" "It would be pretty difficult," admitted Lisle. "But you can't blame his sister for that." "I don't think I've shown any desire to do so," she retorted. Lisle knit his brows. "You people are rather curious in your ideas. Now, here's a lonely girl who's pluckily trying to look after that senseless lad, and not a one of you can spare her a word of sympathy, because she doesn't run on the same stereotyped lines as you do. Can you help only the people who will conform?" Millicent let this pass, and after an indifferent word or two she turned away. Before she reached home, however, she met Nasmyth. "Why don't you keep Mr. Lisle out of those Marples' hands?" she asked him. "In the first place, I'm not sure that I could do so; in the second, I don't see why I should try," Nasmyth replied. "On the whole, considering that he's a Western miner, I don't think he's running a serious risk. Perhaps I might hint that Bella Crestwick's hardly likely to consider him as big enough game." "Don't be coarse!" Millicent paused. "But he spoke hotly in her defense." "After all," responded Nasmyth, "I shouldn't wonder if she deserves it; but it has no significance. You see, he's a rather chivalrous person." Millicent flashed a quick glance at him, but his face was expressionless. "What did he say?" he asked. "I don't remember exactly: he hinted that we were narrow-minded and uncharitable." Nasmyth laughed. "I almost think there's some truth in it. I've seen you a little severe on those outside the fold." "A man's charity is apt to be influenced by a pretty face," Millicent retorted. "I'll admit it," replied Nasmyth dryly. "But I can't undertake to determine how far that fact has any bearing on this particular instance." Millicent talked about something else, but she was annoyed with herself when the question Nasmyth had raised once more obtruded itself on her attention during the evening. On Wednesday Lisle walked over to Marple's house, because he had promised to go, though he would much rather have spent an hour or two with Nasmyth and Millicent in the latter's drawing-room. He had no opportunity for any private speech with Bella, but she flung him a grateful glance as he came in. He waited patiently and followed her brother here and there, but he could not secure a word with him alone.