"But think of the victory," cried Miss Fairbrother, "when you look back on what you have done."
"Ah! If people only knew."
"Yes," a little doubtfully; "but of course you don't exactly want people to know."
"That's just it; they mustn't know a word about it."
"If they did?" she breathed.
"It wouldn't do," said George; "they wouldn't all be so grateful as you."
Miss Fairbrother's fingers grew nervous again, and the point of one tiny little shoe attracted all her attention. George, looking out of the corner of one eye, felt that matters were progressing most satisfactorily.
"I suppose," said Miss Fairbrother, softly, without turning her head, "you've—you've saved other people before?"
George at once became so modest and so concerned about the inside lining of his hat, that Miss Fairbrother looked up, and added quickly—
"You have; I'm sure you have. Do tell me about it! Oh, I should like to know!"