"No, no; sit still, my dear," cried Mrs Barclay, drawing her back to her side, and speaking in a quick, businesslike way. "I was quite knocked over by what you said. My poor, dear child! Is there to be no end to your troubles? But there, we mustn't talk nonsense, but act sensibly. This is like a smash--a sort of bankruptcy, only it's what Jo-si-ah would call social and not monetary. There, there, it's a terrible business, but I'm glad you've had the courage to tell me. Oh, my dear, I've always said to Jo-si-ah that she was a wicked little thing who was getting you into trouble. But let that go. Now, then, what to do first? Your poor father don't know a word?" "I have not dared to tell him." "No, and you've been screening her, and taking care of that little one, and--dear--dear--what a world this is! Tut--tut--tut! I am doing nothing but talk. Now, look here, Claire; the first thing that strikes me is that she must be got away--right away--for the present." "Yes, yes; but how?" cried Claire. "Jo-si-ah shall settle that." "Mr Barclay!" cried Claire in terror. "To be sure, my dear. We want a strong man to act in a case like this. Your sister must be got away somewhere, and you must go with her. You had both better go to-night. No one shall know where you are but Jo-si-ah and me, and you can take care of her until Jo-si-ah has told your father all about it." "Yes," sighed Claire, as her companion's calm, businesslike manner impressed her. "If we tell him first he will do no good, poor man, only be horribly upset, and there'll be no end of scenes, and no business done." Claire acquiesced with a look. "Then Jo-si-ah can settle it all with your father and Mr Burnett, and this Mr Gravani, what is to be done in a businesslike way. There, there, let me finish. The weak little thing has got herself into this dreadful tangle, and what we have to do is to get her out the best way we can. It's of no use to be sentimental and sit down and cry; we must act like women." Claire looked at her in admiration, astounded by her friend's calm, businesslike manner. "Now, perhaps, my dear, my Jo-si-ah may upset all my plans by proposing something better; but, as far as I see it now, you had better go straight off to your sister May--it will soon be dusk--and bring her here. I'll be ready and waiting, and I'll go with you both to the coach. You had better put on veils, and we'll go right away to London. It's the best place to hide, as my Jo-si-ah knows with the people who don't pay him. Yes, that's best. I'll go with you." "You will go with us, Mrs Barclay?" "Of course, I shall, my dear, and stay with you till you're out of your trouble, and Jo-si-ah has finished the business. Did you think I was a fine-weather friend?" Claire could not speak; her kisses and clinging arms spoke her thanks. "Yes, that's as far as I can see it, and we must be quick." She rose to go to the bell. "What are you going to do?" cried Claire, in alarm.