Over this complex situation the mind of Keggs, the butler, played

like a searchlight. Keggs was a man of discernment and sagacity. He

had instinct and reasoning power. Instinct told him that Maud, all

unsuspecting the change that had taken place in Albert's attitude

toward her romance, would have continued to use the boy as a link

between herself and George: and reason, added to an intimate

knowledge of Albert, enabled him to see that the latter must

inevitably have betrayed her trust. He was prepared to bet a

hundred pounds that Albert had been given letters to deliver and

had destroyed them. So much was clear to Keggs. It only remained to

settle on some plan of action which would re-establish the broken

connection. Keggs did not conceal a tender heart beneath a rugged

exterior: he did not mourn over the picture of two loving fellow

human beings separated by a misunderstanding; but he did want to

win that sweepstake.

His position, of course, was delicate. He could not got to Maud and

beg her to confide in him. Maud would not understand his motives,

and might leap to the not unjustifiable conclusion that he had been

at the sherry. No! Men were easier to handle than women. As soon as

his duties would permit--and in the present crowded condition of

the house they were arduous--he set out for George's cottage.

"I trust I do not disturb or interrupt you, sir," he said, beaming

in the doorway like a benevolent high priest. He had doffed his

professional manner of austere disapproval, as was his custom in

moments of leisure.

"Not at all," replied George, puzzled. "Was there anything . . .?"

"There was, sir."

"Come along in and sit down."

"I would not take the liberty, if it is all the same to you, sir. I

would prefer to remain standing."

There was a moment of uncomfortable silence. Uncomfortable, that is

to say, on the part of George, who was wondering if the butler

remembered having engaged him as a waiter only a few nights back.

Keggs himself was at his ease. Few things ruffled this man.

"Fine day," said George.

"Extremely, sir, but for the rain."

"Oh, is it raining?"

"Sharp downpour, sir."

"Good for the crops," said George.

"So one would be disposed to imagine, sir."

Silence fell again. The rain dripped from the eaves.

"If I might speak freely, sir . . .?" said Keggs.

"Sure. Shoot!"

"I beg your pardon, sir?"

"I mean, yes. Go ahead!"

The butler cleared his throat.

"Might I begin by remarking that your little affair of the 'eart,

if I may use the expression, is no secret in the Servants' 'All? I

'ave no wish to seem to be taking a liberty or presuming, but I

should like to intimate that the Servants' 'All is aware of the

facts."




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