"There is a good deal of visiting," she said quickly.
"It is a hospitable house."

"Not often gentlemen of the garrison, I suppose?"

"Indeed, yes," cried Anna eagerly. "You know
how it is in England? It is not like in our country.
Here everybody is much more associated. In some
ways it is pleasanter."

"Very true. And had any of these officers who
came and called on your two ladies reason to suppose
that the war was coming?"

Anna stared at him, surprised. "No, indeed!" she
cried. "English officers never talk of warlike subjects.
I have never even seen one of them wearing his uniform."

"It looks to me as if I shall have to add a new line
of officers' kit to the Stores," said Mr. Hegner thoughtfully.
"And any information you give me about officers
just now might be very useful in my business. I
know, Frau Bauer, that you were annoyed, disappointed
about that little matter of the commission
being halved."

"Oh no," murmured Anna, rather confusedly.

"Yes, and I understand your point of view. Well,
from today, Frau Bauer, I restore the old scale! And
if at any time you can say anything about the Stores
to the visitors who come to see your ladies -- anything,
you understand, that may lead to an order -- I will be
generous, I will recognise your help in the widest
sense."

Anna got up again, and so did her host. "Well,
we have had a pleasant gossip," he said. "And one
word more, Frau Bauer. You have not told _any_one,_
not even your daughter, of -- of----" he hesitated,

[[82]]

p081 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p082w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p083

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