to warn me against Mrs. Vandemeyer? You did, didn't you?"

"My dear young lady, as far as I recollect I only mentioned that
there were equally good situations to be obtained elsewhere."

"Yes, I know. But it was a hint, wasn't it?"

"Well, perhaps it was," admitted Sir James gravely.

"Well, I want to know more. I want to know just WHY you gave me
a hint."

Sir James smiled at her earnestness.

"Suppose the lady brings a libel action against me for defamation
of character?"

"Of course," said Tuppence. "I know lawyers are always
dreadfully careful. But can't we say 'without prejudice' first,
and then say just what we want to."

"Well," said Sir James, still smiling, "without prejudice, then,
if I had a young sister forced to earn her living, I should not
like to see her in Mrs. Vandemeyer's service. I felt it incumbent
on me just to give you a hint. It is no place for a young and
inexperienced girl. That is all I can tell you."

"I see," said Tuppence thoughtfully. "Thank you very much. But
I'm not REALLY inexperienced, you know. I knew perfectly that
she was a bad lot when I went there--as a matter of fact that's