Indeed old Anna's feelings towards the man who
sat there, playing with a pen in his hand, had undergone
an extraordinary transformation. She had come
into the room disliking him, fearing him, feeling sure
that he was going to take some advantage of her.
Now she stared at his moody, rather flushed face, full
of wondering gratitude.

How strange that he had never taken the trouble
to tell her that he knew Willi! She was sorry to
remember how often she had dissuaded her mistress
from getting something at the Stores that could be
got elsewhere, some little thing on which the tiny
commission she received would have been practically
nil, or, worse still, overlooked. Her commission had
been often overlooked of late unless she kept a very
sharp look-out on the bills, which Mrs. Otway had a
tiresome habit of locking away when receipted.

She took the five precious gold pieces off the table,
and moved, as if to rise from her chair.

But Mr. Hegner waved his hand. "Sit down, sit
down, Frau Bauer," he said. "There is no hurry.
I enjoy the thought of a little chat with you." He
waited a moment. "And are you thinking of staying
on in your present position? You are -- let me see --
with Mrs. Otway?"

"Oh yes," she said, brightening. "I shall certainly
stay where I am. I am very happy there. They are
very kind to me, Mr. Hegner. I love my young lady
as much as I do my own child."

"It is a quiet house," he went on, "a quiet house,
with very little coming and going, Frau Bauer. Is
not that so?"

[[81]]

p080 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p081w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p082

v?