There was a pause, and then Enid Crofton spoke, in a low, uncertain tone. "Believe me, Mrs. Piper, when I say that I really will do all I can for him. But it's not easy now to hear of good jobs, and Piper doesn't seem easy to suit."
"You wouldn't care to take my 'usband on again yourself, Modam?"
Again there followed that curious pause which somehow filled Enid with a vague fear.
"I wish I could," she said at last, "but I can't afford it, Mrs. Piper. As a matter of fact, I've done a foolish thing in coming here, to Beechfield, at all. Only the other day one of my husband's relations advised me to let the house."
"Piper thinks, Modam, as how you might 'elp 'im to a job with Major Radmore." The name tripped quickly off the speaker's tongue, as if she was quite used to the sound.
Enid felt a throb of dismay. Did the Pipers know Godfrey Radmore was back?
"We was wondering," said the woman, "if you would give us the major's address?"
Then they didn't know he was back—or did they?
"I don't know it."
Enid Crofton was one of those women—there are more than a truthful world suspects—who actually find it easier to lie than to tell the truth. But she saw the look of incredulity which flashed over the sallow face of her unwelcome visitor.