d Anthony, who although vaguely aware
that she was endeavouring to create an atmosphere of vacuity, could not
fathom the advantage to be gained.

"I'm going, dear, I'm going. I was thinking, that's all."

"Thinking," came from Dirk.

"Wondering if you two gentlemen could eat mutton. My dear brother who
died in '93 had very strong views about mutton, especially when it was
cold. He said----"

But the prospect of hearing what he said so shook the good manners of her
visitors that they almost breasted her toward the bedroom door. They
would probably have succeeded in their object had not Flora hurried in
from the garden.

"The doctor is with her now," said Flora. "I've got the car ready."

Mrs. Barraclough became almost hysterical. There was no limit to the
instructions she showered upon the hapless Flora. Were the vegetables in
the car? Had she been sent for? Was Mr. Brassbound there, and finally,
had Flora put the "you know" into the basket?

"The 'you know,'" said Flora, hazily.

"Silly, silly girl," wailed Mrs. Barraclough. "Sergeant Ealing, do
excuse me whispering to my maid, but it is so difficult to speak out in
public."

She dropped her voice to a confidential whisper only for the briefest
space and Flora nodded gravely and said:

"Yes, Madam, I quite understand," and went out.

"And now I really must be going," said Mrs. Barraclough at her bedroom
door. But she descended again upon her visitors, now purple with
exasperation, and possessed herself of their hands.

"I have enjoyed your conversation so much, Mr. Ravenscourt, and yours,
too, Sergeant Chiswick, but even the best of friends must part; as
Anthony used to say when I bought him his first comb. Goodbye--goodbye."
She paused dramatically. "Oh, I nearly forgot my salts--my salts. It's
most important. The doctor said that I should never go anywhere without
my salts."

It was only by exercise of something approaching violence that the
garrulous old lady was finally induced to enter her bedroom and the door
closed upon her.

"If ever anyone ought to be certified," declared Harrison Smith blindly.

"I am very much obliged to you, gentlemen," said Anthony. "I don't
imagine she will be long now."

"For everyone's sake I 'ope she ain't," Dirk contributed.

But as though to discount this pious ambition came a call from behind the
closed door.

"Anthony, dear, Anthony! Will you ring the bell for Jane, please?"

"The bell is at