"I should prefer not, sir. Under those circumstances some explanation would have to be made to your wife and daughter. Pardon me, sir, but all women are more or less alike, and are liable to expose what we most wish to conceal. If it is known that you have a detective in the house, the thief will be on his guard and difficult to detect. Have you any need of an extra servant?"
"Yes; one of the house-maids left to-day."
"Then, sir, if you will give me the position I will endeavor to fill it satisfactorily until you can fill my place better."
"And you don't wish my wife or daughter to know?"
"I should prefer not."
"Are you ready, Miss——"
Chandler hesitated, and Pyne supplied the name:
"Cuyler."
"If I am to be your servant," interrupted the girl, "you must call me Leonie!"
"Yes, to be sure, to be sure! Can you go now? We can concoct our story as we go."