spectacles, behind the locked
door of my bedroom. The little maid, having been repeatedly instructed
that all callers were to be shown into the drawing-room, was no doubt
elated to have an opportunity of turning precept into practice. I
arose, hastily made myself look as elderly and discreet as possible, and
sallied forth to greet him.

It was the funniest interview! He had brought down a copy of _Punch_ (a
week old), with his wife's compliments "in case I should like to see
it". That was the excuse; the real reason was obviously to survey the
extraordinary spinster of the basement flat, and discover if she were
quite mad or just innocently eccentric. I could see him peering at me
out of his tired, worried eyes, and if ever I worked hard to worm myself
into a man's good graces, I did it during the next half-hour.

I pricked my ears, listening for "clues," and when one came, I played up
to it with all my skill, agreeing with him, soothing him, hanging on his
words. He looked almost as tired as his wife; there were shiny patches
on his coat; his hair was turning white above the ears; he had the look
of a man driven beyond his strength. I made him a cup of coffee, good
coffee! over which he sighed appreciatively. I told him I liked the
smell of smoke. I offered him the _Spectator_ in exchange for _Punch_.
At the end of half an hour he was looking at me wistfully, and saying in
quite a natural, boyish voice:--

"I say, it was nailing good of you to offer to take out the kiddies to
save my wife. She was quite touched. She does need a rest, poor girl,
but, of course--"

"Don't say `of course' you cannot accept! The only `of course' is to
take me at my word. Mr Manners, may I say exactly what I think?"

He looked startled and said, "Please do!" (Mem. I must try to remember
that an impulsive manner is not suitable to grey hairs!)

"Well, it's just this; if you won't allow me to help your wife to have a
little rest now, she will be obliged to take a longer one later on!
That cough needs care. I know something about nursing, and I'm sure
that if she goes on as she is doing now, she'll break down altogether."

"I know it," he said miserably. "I've been feeling the same myself.
That was why--to-night--when she told me, I--"

"Came down to see for yourself if I could be trusted!" I said laughing.
"And what is your verdict, Mr Manners? Do I look as if I would kidnap
babies? Do I look as if I had strength e