of this anonymous letter is right in believing that there
is a good deal of spying and of conveying valuable
information to the enemy."

She waited a moment, and then went on, deliberately:
"I suppose you are quite sure of your old Anna,
my dear? Used she not to be in very close touch
with Berlin? Has she broken all that off since the
War began?"

"Indeed she has!" cried Mrs. Otway eagerly. She
was surprised at the turn the conversation had taken.
Was it conceivable that Miss Forsyth must be numbered
henceforth among the spy maniacs of whom
she knew there were a good many in Witanbury?
"She made every kind of effort early in the War --
for the matter of that I did what I could to help her --
to get into touch with her relations there, for she was
very anxious and miserable about them. But she
failed -- absolutely failed!"

"And how about her German friends in England?
I suppose she has German friends?"

"To the best of my belief, she hasn't a single
German acquaintance!" exclaimed Anna's mistress
confidently. "She used to know those unfortunate
Frohlings rather well, but, as I daresay you know,
they left Witanbury quite early in the War -- in fact
during the first week of war. And she certainly
hasn't heard from them. I asked her if she had,
some time ago. Dear Miss Forsyth, do believe me
when I say that, apart from her very German appearance,
and her funny way of talking, my poor old
Anna is to all intents and purposes an English-
woman. Why, she has lived in England twenty-two
years!"

[[286]]

p285 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p286w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p287

v?