It said a great deal for Audrey's presence of mind that she lay quietly where she was, and did not at once leap from her bed to denounce Eddy Vail. But the girl, although she appeared delicate, and was inexperienced, had a commonsense way of looking at things, which helped her greatly in this emergency. She rapidly reviewed the situation, and saw that it would be wiser, for the present, to hold her tongue. When she laid the matter before Ralph, it would be time enough to consider what was the best course to pursue. It was necessary to obtain further proofs of Vail's guilt, as for the moment it rested merely on the statement of Badoura. And if Badoura changed her mind and became reconciled to Eddy, she might deny that she had made any remark about the clock. Finally, seeing that she was indebted to her aunt for a night's lodging, if for nothing else, Audrey did not wish to make trouble in the Pink Shop. Already the murder had given the place a bad name, and if there was any more scandal Madame Coralie's business would be ruined entirely. But Audrey could rest no more, and when she heard Madame Coralie go into the still-room to talk with her scampish husband she quietly rose and closed the bedroom door. Then she dressed rapidly, and soon came out, looking much her usual self, although she was decidedly pale. Her aunt was still talking to Eddy, and had just handed him a letter. The scampish husband looked more pretty and dandified than ever, and threw a glance of leering admiration at the charming newcomer. When Audrey remembered that Badoura accused him of strangling her mother, she could scarcely address him politely. Yet she was forced to do so for the sake of appearance, as Madame Coralie introduced her to him. "Miss Branwin, this is my husband, Mr. Edmund Vail." "I hope you are well, Miss Branwin," said Mr. Vail, politely, and bowed in a most deferential manner. He even held out his hand, but Audrey declined to see it--she could not bring herself to greet him in this way. "I am quite well, Mr. Vail," she said coldly, "thanks to a good night's rest." "You are stopping here, Miss Branwin?" "Mind your own business, Eddy!" snapped Madame Coralie, shortly. "You have nothing to do with my customers. Miss Branwin is stopping here for treatment, so say no more about it. Take that letter to Sir Joseph Branwin at once." Audrey started, and looked at her aunt. "To my father?" "Yes," said Madame Coralie, arranging her yashmak. "I have written to Sir Joseph asking him to send your boxes here, as your treatment will take some time." "But will my father send my boxes?" asked Audrey, nervously. Madame Coralie gave her a warning glance, as Eddy's cherubic face was alive with curiosity. "Of course he will, Miss Branwin," said the proprietress of the Pink Shop, easily. "He knows that ladies cannot do without at least a dozen frocks. Never fear," she nodded encouragingly, "I shall send you back to Camden Hill as plump as a partridge."