'One moment, if you please,' continued Mrs. Carnaby. 'I was glad that you had come, as I had half wished for an opportunity of speaking a few words to you. It isn't a matter of much importance, but I may as well say, perhaps, that you are indiscreet in your way of talking about me to your friends. Of course, we haven't many acquaintances in common, but I happen to have heard the opinion of me which you expressed to--let me see, some ladies named Leach, whom I once knew slightly. It seems hardly worth while to take serious steps in the matter--though I might find it necessary. I only wish, in your own interest, to say a word of warning. You have behaved, all things considered'--she dwelt on the phrase--'rather indiscreetly.' 'I said what I knew to be the truth,' replied Alma, meeting her look with the satisfaction of defiance. Sibyl approached one step. 'You knew it?' she asked, very softly and deliberately, searching the passionate face with eyes as piercing as they were beautiful. 'With certainty.' 'I used to think you intelligent,' said Sibyl, 'but I fancy you don't perceive what this "certainty" of yours suggests.' She paused, with a curling lip. 'Let me put you on your guard. You have very little command of your primitive feelings, and they bring you into danger. I should be sorry to think that an unpleasant story I have heard whispered was anything more than ill-natured scandal, but it's as well to warn you that _other_ people have a taste for that kind of gossip.' 'I'm well aware of it,' flashed the listener. 'And that was the very reason why I came to ask you where Mrs. Strangeways is hiding.' 'Mrs. Rolfe, you are aware of too many things. In your position I should be uneasy.' 'I will leave you to enjoy your _own_ uneasiness,' returned Alma, with a contemptuous laugh. 'You must have enough of it, without imagining that of others.' She half turned. Sibyl again took one step forward, and spoke with ever so little tremor in the even voice. 'You have understood me, I hope?' 'Oh, quite. You have shown plainly how--afraid you are. Good morning, Mrs. Carnaby.' Baker Street station being so near, Alma was tempted to go straightway and demand from the Leach sisters an explanation of what she had heard; they, too, seemed to be behaving treacherously. But she was unwilling to miss the luncheon hour at home, for Hughie would speak of it to his father, and so oblige her to make false excuses. Besides, she had suffered more than enough indignity (though not unavenged!), and it was better to summon the sisters to her presence. On reaching home, she at once sent them an ordinary invitation, but of the briefest. In the evening she received Dymes's acknowledgment of the cheque. Next day she wrote to him, a few formal lines, requesting that he would let her know Mrs. Strangeways' address as soon as he had discovered it.