"I found the cushion this morning."
"What cushion do you refer to?" asked Agatha with a puzzled expression.
Irene frowned.
"We cannot talk frankly together when we are at cross purposes," she complained.
"Very true, my dear; but you seem inclined to speak in riddles."
"Do you deny any knowledge of my chair cushion!"
"I do."
"I must accept your statement, of course. What do you wish to say to me, Miss Lord?"
"I would like to establish a more friendly understanding between us. You are an intelligent girl and cannot fail to realize that I have taken a warm interest in your friend Mary Louise Burrows. I want to know more about her, and about her people, who seem to have cast her off. You are able to give me this information, I am sure, and by doing so you may be instrumental in assisting your friend materially."
It was an odd speech; odd and insincere. Irene studied the woman's face curiously.