in German. She was beginning to feel vaguely alarmed.
"But no one can stop you. Walk straight out, while I
stay and explain. I can make it all right."

In a gingerly way he moved to one side the heavy
object he had been carrying, and then, as if taking
shelter behind her, he followed the old woman out
through the door.

"What's this you're taking out of the house, Anna?"
Mr. Hayley's tone was not very pleasant. "You
mustn't mind my asking you. My aunt, as you know,
told me to remain here today to look after things."

"Only my luggage it is," stammered Anna. "I had
hoped to have cleared out my room while the wedding
in progress was."

"Your luggage?" repeated James Hayley uncomfortably.
He was now feeling rather foolish, and it
was to him a very disturbing because an unusual sensation.

"Yes, my luggage," repeated Anna. "And this" -- she
hesitated a moment -- "this person here is going to
look for a man to help carry out my heavy boxes.
There are two. He cannot manage them himself."

James Hayley looked surprised, but to her great
relief, he allowed the stranger to slip by, and Anna for
a moment watched the little man walking off at a smart
pace towards the gate house. She wondered how she
could manage to send him a message when the tiresome,
inquisitive Mr. Hayley had gone.

"But whose motor is that?" Mr. Hayley went on, in
a puzzled tone. "You must forgive me for asking you,
Anna, but you know we live in odd times." He had
followed her into the kitchen, and was now standing
there with her. As she made no answer, he suddenly

[[315]]

p314 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p315w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p316

v?