He could say nothing else, as, of course, his idea regarding a possible will, and money having been taken from Mavis, was mere theory. Mrs. Crosbie looked at him piercingly, after which scrutiny she returned to her seat. Apparently she counted upon this marriage releasing her from terrible trouble, and dreaded lest it should fall through. "I wish you would not frighten me," she said querulously, "my nerves are not strong. Mother and I are going away to Bognor next week for the change. We both need one very badly. Well," she selected another cigarette and became more her bright self, which he knew so well, "so you wish me to help you?" "Yes. And I wish you to keep what I say to yourself. Promise." She looked at him hard. "You are very mysterious." "I am very much in earnest," he rejoined dryly. Mrs. Crosbie shuffled. "I can't promise until I know what you are going to say," she observed irritably. Her nerves, as she had said, were certainly very bad. "There is something in that," replied Haskins; and felt inclined to withdraw without telling his story. But after some reflection he compromised. "At all events you must hold your tongue about my secret for at least a month," and by naming this time he hoped to deliver Mavis from her imprisonment within three weeks. "I promise," said Mrs. Crosbie curiously, "but I know your secret. You are in love?" Gerald was startled. "How could you tell that?" he demanded, astonished. She laughed, "I am a woman, and observant, as well as intuitive. Look at your eyes in yonder mirror, at the expression of your face, at your whole bearing." "H'm," said Haskins, but half satisfied; "every one is not so clever as you are, Madge." "Don't call me Madge, I tell you." "Yes, I shall when we are alone. Hang it, I have known you for years, and besides, I wish you to do me a service. I have your promise to hold your tongue for a month?" "Yes! yes! yes! Go on! go on. I am all ears." "My story concerns Major Rebb." "What? Then you did mean something, when you mentioned him last?" "I meant nothing that will stop your marriage," said Gerald crossly, "although I don't know why a nice woman like you, Madge, should marry him." Mrs. Crosbie stared. "Major Rebb is supposed to be a delightful man." "He may be--to those who don't know him." "I believe that you are jealous," she said, with a nervous laugh, "well, and how does your secret affect the Major?" "See here, Madge, you may think me mean, speaking about Rebb to you, and behind his back. But I am doing so at that risk, because I wish you to help some one in whom I am interested. Otherwise, I am quite ready to see Rebb personally and have it out with him. Later on--say in three weeks, more or less--I shall. For then I hope that Mavis will be with you here, and quite safe."