Such interest, Crane felt inclined to answer, was not confined to old-fashioned housekeepers. Her suggestion roused conflicting desires in him; the desire to see Jane-Ellen, and the desire to protect her from Mrs. Falkener.
"Tuck could tell us all about it," he said slyly.
Tucker, who was reading the paper, pretended not to hear, and presently Crane rang the bell.
"Tell the cook, Smithfield," he said, "that Mrs. Falkener and I are coming down to inspect the kitchen in about ten minutes."
When Smithfield had gone, Mrs. Falkener shook her finger at Crane.
"That was a mistake, my dear Burton," she said, "a great mistake. Take them unaware whenever you can; it is the only way to protect ourselves against the unscrupulous members of their class."
"Crane," said Tucker, without looking up from his paper, "wants to give the young woman plenty of time to smuggle out any superfluous young man who may be visiting her at the moment."
"Well, I'm no gum-shoe man, Tuck," Burton replied, leaving all of his hearers in doubt as to whether or not he had emphasized the word "I."
Tucker laughed sarcastically.
"No, my dear fellow," he answered, "your best friend would not accuse you of having talents along the detective line."