ul friendliness.

'What! I have caught you, Mrs. Strangeways? Police! Oh, I am so sorry I
didn't send you a wire. I thought you would come tomorrow, or the day
after. How very kind of you to take this trouble immediately. I had to
run over at a moment's notice.--Mrs. Rolfe! Forgive me; for the moment
I didn't know you, coming out of the darkness. So glad to see you.'

He had shaken hands with both of them, behaving as though Mrs. Rolfe's
presence were the most natural thing in the world. But Alma's strength
failed her; she trembled towards the nearest chair, and sank upon it.
Mrs. Strangeways, who had watched her with anxiety, took a step to her
side, speaking hurriedly.

'Mr. Redgrave, I took the liberty to use your house as if it were my
own. Mrs. Rolfe has over-tired, over-excited herself. She has been
playing this afternoon at a concert at Mrs. Rayner Mann's. We were to
drive back together, and came this way that I might call here--for the
photo. But Mrs. Rolfe became faint--after her exertions----'

Redgrave surpassed himself in graceful courtesy. How could Mrs
Strangeways dream of offering excuses? Why had she not called for
tea--or anything? He would give orders at once, and the ladies would
permit him to get rid of his travelling attire, whilst they rested. He
was turning to leave the room when Alma rose and commanded her voice.

'I am perfectly well again--thank you so much, Mr. Redgrave--indeed I
mustn't stay----'

With admirable suavity Redgrave overcame her desire to be gone.
Pleading, he passed playfully from English into French, of which he had
a perfect command; then, in his own language, declared that French
alone permitted one to make a request without importunity, yet with
adequate fervour. Alma again seated herself. As she did so, her host
and Mrs. Strangeways exchanged a swift glance of mutual intelligence.

'How can I hope you will forgive me?' the lady murmured at Alma's ear
as soon as they were alone.

'It's very annoying, and there's nothing more to be said,' was the cold
reply.

'But it isn't of the least importance--do believe me. We are such old
friends. And no one can ever know--though it wouldn't matter if all the
world did.'

'I dare say not. But, please, let our stay be as short as possible.'

'We will go, dear, as soon as ever we have had a cup of tea. I am _so_
sorry; it was all my foolishness.'

The tea was brought, and Mrs. Strangeways, her nervousness having quite
passe