"Perfectly true," said Mona, meeting his gaze without flinching. "I confess I had no special training for the work, but I did not do it so badly, after all."
The least suspicion of a smile played about the corners of his mouth, but he suppressed it instantly.
"And when," he asked, "may we expect your next attack of shopkeeping?"
"Oh, did Colonel Lawrence not tell you? My cousin sailed for America months ago."
He looked relieved.
"To your infinite regret, no doubt."
"I am afraid it is a great weight off my mind."
"And is that the end of the affair, or have you any more cousins down there?"
"I have one or two friends; no relatives."
"Then there is nothing to take you back again?"