Mrs. Hesketh’s temper was simmering to boiling-point; she began to realise that her adversary had set her heavy heel upon her neck, and intended to keep it there. “I must say that it has been a great thing for Mrs. Blagdon--I mean Glyn--to have had your support,” continued Mrs. Plassy condescendingly. “She is my friend--the best, most unselfish, and pure-minded woman, I have ever known.” “Yes, yes--how splendid of you to say so! I daresay Mrs. Glyn was not _quite_ as much to blame as people made out.” (But in Mrs. Plassy’s tone there lurked a reservation.) “And you, dear lady, are so unusually broad-minded--I have always maintained this.” Mrs. Hesketh swallowed her fury, and steadied her voice, resolved to come to an understanding with this odious woman at all costs. “Cara knows nothing of the past as yet, and it is her mother’s wish and mine, that she remains in ignorance of it--for the present.” “Your wishes are natural. If her mother’s story leaked out here, it would be so awkward for the poor girl; and no doubt the farm people might make difficulties. I suppose, according to our English law, Mrs.--Glyn--is still liable to criminal prosecution?” “There is no fear of that,” replied Mrs. Hesketh, speaking with sharp irritation; “_no_ effort was made to recover Cara. Her father was thankful to be rid of her.” “She is a fine-looking young woman, on a rather large scale. I daresay as she grows older, she will become like her aunt--too fleshy!” “May be so; at present, the important matter is, that she should not hear that she has an aunt--or a father.” The two women gazed at one another in silence. Then Mrs. Hesketh, mentally shuddering, prostrated herself in the dust. “Mrs. Plassy, you are the only acquaintance who knows our secret, and if you will keep it--I shall look upon it as the greatest _personal_ favour.” “Of course you may rely upon us, dear Mrs. Hesketh,” replied the other coldly. “Not a breath shall the child hear; as a matter of fact, we are leaving early to-morrow for Lucerne. Our cousin finds the hotel too near the lake, and insists on our accompanying him.” “Your promise is extremely kind,” said Mrs. Hesketh, “for we do not wish to disturb the present position until matters are settled in England. And if I, in any way, can do _you_ a good turn, you have only to name it--now or later; you will find that I can show,” here she looked into her opponent’s faded eyes with peculiar significance, “_substantial_ gratitude for a friendly silence.” In that exchange of glances, how much had been said and answered! Mrs. Plassy, a faithful interpreter, felt a warm glow of satisfaction. That expressive gaze conveyed a promise to pay, and an I.O.U. of considerable value--it implied, and was good for, introductions, entertainments, prestige, and--loans. “I am sure I shall be glad of any kindness,” she murmured with lowered eyelids; “and you have so _much_ in your power.”