Mary shook her head.
“People like you don't HAPPEN in one neighbourhood twice in a lifetime. I am twenty-six and you are the first I have seen.”
“And he will only be safe if?”
Mary Lithcom nodded.
“Yes—IF,” she answered. “It's silly—and frightful—but it is true.”
Miss Vanderpoel looked down on the grass a few moments, and then seemed to arrive at a decision.
“He likes you? You can make him understand things?” she inquired.
“Yes.”
“Then go and tell him that if he will come here and ask me a direct question, I will give him a direct answer—which will satisfy Lady Alanby.”
Lady Mary caught her breath.