mention it. But I think it's
more to the purpose to say that I'm altogether at your disposal."

"Well," she answered, "I wanted you. As you're almost a stranger, it's
curious, isn't it? But, you see, I haven't a real friend in the world."

"I wonder if that can be quite correct?"

"So far as the people here go, haven't you eyes?"

Lisle had seen the men gather about her, but it was those he thought
least of who followed her most closely, and the women stood aloof.

"There are Miss Marple and her mother, anyway; they're friends of yours,"
he pointed out.

"Just so. Flo and I are in the same class, making the same fight; but
that isn't always a reason for mutual appreciation or support. Mrs.
Marple, of course, is her daughter's partizan, though in some ways it
suits us to stand together. But I didn't bring you here to listen to my
grievances, but because you happen to be the one man I can trust."

Lisle looked embarrassed, but merely bent his head.

"It's that silly brother of mine again," she went on.

"What has he been doing now?"

"It's what he's thinking of doing that's the worst. He has been led to
believe it's easy to acquire riches on the stock exchange and that he has
the makings of a successful speculator in him. Cards and the turf I've
had to tolerate--after all, there were ways in which he got some return
for what he spent on them--but this last craze may be disastrous."

"Where did he get the idea that he's a financial genius? It wouldn't be
from you."

"No," she said seriously; "I'm his sister and most unlikely to encourage
him in such delusions. I don't think Batley had much trouble in putting
the notion into his mind." Her expression suddenly changed. "How I hate
that man!"

Lisle looked down at her with grave sympathy.

"It's quite easy to get into difficulties by speculating, unless one has
ample means. But I understood--"

Bella checked him with a gesture.

"Jim comes into money--we have a good allowance now--but it will be
nearly two years before he gets possession. I want him to start fair when
he may, perhaps, have learned a little sense, and not to find himself
burdened with debts and associates he can't get rid of. At present,
Batley's lending him money at exorbitant interest. I've pleaded, I've
stormed and told him plain truths; but it isn't the least use."

"I see. Why don't you take him away?"

"He won't come. It would be worse if I left him."

"Do you know why Gladwyne tol