A little ashamed of herself for listening at all to talk not meant for her ears, Bumble went to bed and was soon sound asleep.
Next morning Mrs. Lummis tapped at the door, and entered cheerily.
“Sleep well, little girl? Yes? That’s good. Now for a bath and some breakfast, then I’m going to pack you off. Sorry to speed my parting guest so hastily, but I have to go out of town on an early train.”
Helen sprang out of bed, truly sorry to inconvenience her kind benefactor.
She made especial haste with her dressing and soon the two were seated at a cosy breakfast.
Mrs. Lummis asked a good many questions and out of the kindness of her heart Helen replied in full. Suddenly she realised that she was divulging secrets. Without thinking, she had told the story of the day at the Country Club and the masquerading man, who, they suspected, had surreptitiously opened the letter that was in the pocket of Patty’s fur stole.
Mrs. Lummis was greatly interested, and urged further details, and it was not until Bumble had told of Bill’s sometimes giving Patty important letters to hide, that she bethought herself of her indiscretion.
She had even told of the secret drawer in the old desk, where Patty concealed the papers, and the realisation of her mistake almost stunned her.
“Don’t tell, will you?” she pleaded. “I oughtn’t to have told that!”
Of a sudden Mrs. Lummis’ eyes gleamed brightly.