how very, very little any of us know of other people's
lives. After her first shock of dismayed surprise to find that Piper was
married at all, she had imagined Piper's wife as something young and, of
course, in a way, attractive and easily managed.

"Did you ever come down to my house in Essex?" she asked, still trying to
speak pleasantly.

"No, Modam, I never was there. Piper and I 'as always kep' clear of each
other's jobs, and I wouldn't be interfering _now_, but that the matter's
becoming serious. Piper's worse than no good when 'e's idle." She
hesitated, then went on, "If 'e's to keep off 'is failing, 'e must be
working."

There was a pause, and then Enid Crofton spoke, in a low, uncertain tone.
"Believe me, Mrs. Piper, when I say that I really will do all I can for
him. But it's not easy now to hear of good jobs, and Piper doesn't seem
easy to suit."

"You wouldn't care to take my 'usband on again yourself, Modam?"

Again there followed that curious pause which somehow filled Enid with a
vague fear.

"I wish I could," she said at last, "but I can't afford it, Mrs. Piper.
As a matter of fact, I've done a foolish thing in coming here, to
Beechfield, at all. Only the other day one of my husband's relations
advised me to let the house."

"Piper thinks, Modam, as how you might 'elp 'im to a job with Major
Radmore." The name tripped quickly off the speaker's tongue, as if she
was quite used to the sound.

Enid felt a throb of dismay. Did the Pipers know Godfrey Radmore was
back?

"We was wondering," said the woman, "if you would give us the major's
address?"

Then they didn't know he was back--or did they?

"I don't know it."

Enid Crofton was one of those women--there are more than a truthful world
suspects--who actually find it easier to lie than to tell the truth. But
she saw the look of incredulity which flashed over the sallow face of her
unwelcome visitor.

"Mr. Radmore," she went on hastily, "is taking a motor tour. But he'll be
back in London soon, and I'll let you know the moment I know he's settled
down."

"I should 'ave thought," said the woman, "that the Major would 'ave 'ad a
club where Piper could 'ave written."

"If he has, I don't know it."

And then, all at once, Enid Crofton pulled herself together. After all
the interview was going quite smoothly. Nothing--well, disagreeable--had
been said.

She got up from her chair. "I hope you'll forgive me, Mrs. Piper, for
saying that Pip