The absurdity of his misfortune was a little forgotten, and the fact of his service remained, so Harding almost smiled as he rejoined—
"I say 'thanks to it' for my introduction."
Mr. Hayes knitted his brows, and looked from one to the other with bright, bead-like eyes. When, a minute later, a maid came to the door, and asked to speak to Miss Strange, he waited till his niece was gone, and then sharply demanded—
"What was that about a talisman?"
"That little cross Miss Strange wears. She calls that her talisman."
"Indeed! Why that particular cross?"
"It belonged to her godmother, I believe," said Harding.
The old gentleman stared, and then considered a little.
"Her godmother, eh? Why," he began to laugh, "her godmother—what does Barbara know about her?"