"Yes, they take me for Huskinson." A light sprang up in her eyes. "In fact, so far as they are concerned, I am a man!"
"Tcha, tcha, tcha!" clicked Marriner, making the condemnatory noise so dear to limited natures in moments of tension or surprise.
"Oh, Daisy, I wonder, would it be possible——"
She stopped and looked doubtfully at Marriner.
"Marriner is absolutely to be trusted," Mrs. Verulam answered to the look.
"Oh yes, ma'am!" said the faithful one, beginning gradually to recover.
"Well, then—could I not? No, Daisy, I must speak to you alone! I know that Marriner will keep the secret of this afternoon."
"Oh, ma'am, with my best blood!" cried Marriner, vaguely quoting from historical novels, but meaning well.
She got up, gained the door, turned, repeated in a high voice "With my best blood, ma'am!" and went softly out.
"Well, Chloe, what is it?"