When Mr. Harper had swallowed his tea, of which one cup sufficed, and after abandoning any further attempt to deal with his buttered scone, the hostess gathered the tea things with the aid of her friends. She then took them to the back premises, declining further help. In spite of the protests of her guests, Miss Dobbs insisted on this self-denying course. She left Mr. Henry Harper in their care, and hoped they would do their best to amuse him during her absence. XIII "Harry," said Miss Press, with a dramatic change of tone as soon as the hostess had retired with the tea things, "Zoe and I have to talk to you very serious. Haven't we, Zoe?" Miss Bonser nodded impressively. "You are not playing fair with Cora, Harry." During the slight pause which followed this statement, a look of fawnlike bewilderment flitted across the eyes of the Sailor. "You are breaking her heart," said Miss Press, with tragic simplicity. "Yes, dear," came the thrilling whisper of Miss Bonser. "That's true." "We are telling you this, Harry," said Miss Press, "because we think it is something you ought to know. You think so, don't you, dear?" "I do, dear," said Miss Bonser. "Cora is one of the best that ever stepped," said Miss Press. "She has a heart of gold, she is a girl in a thousand. It would be a black shame to spoil her life. You think that, don't you, dear?" "Yes, dear," said Miss Bonser emotionally. Mr. Harper was completely out of his depth. He didn't know in the least what they were talking about. "Forgive us, Harry, for taking it upon ourselves in this way," said Miss Bonser, in a kind, quiet voice. "We are all for a bit of fun, but we can't stand by and see a good girl suffering in silence, can we, Gertie?" "No, dear," said Gertie, with pathos. Both ladies eyed him cautiously. He was so innocent, he was such a simple child that they could almost have found it in their hearts to pity him. "We feel bound to mention it, Harry," said Miss Press. "Poor Cora can't take her oats or anything. She has to have a sleeping draught now." "And she's getting that thin, poor thing," chimed the plaintive Miss Bonser. The Sailor's perplexity grew. "If you ask me," said Miss Press, suddenly taking a higher note, "it's up to you, Harry, to play the gentleman." Watching the color change in his face, she knew she was on the target now. "A gentleman don't play fast and loose, if you ask me." "At least, not the sort we are used to," whispered Miss Bonser, in a superb pianissimo. "It's Lord Caradoc and Pussy Pearson over again," said Miss Press. "But Caradoc being the goods married Pussy without making any bones about it. Harry, it's up to you to follow the example of a real gentleman. Forgive us for speaking plain." Henry Harper glanced nervously from one lady to the other. A light was just beginning to dawn upon him.