A Damsel in Distress

George joined the procession punctually at two o'clock, just as

Keggs was clearing his throat preparatory to saying, "We are now in

the main 'all, and before going any further I would like to call

your attention to Sir Peter Lely's portrait of--" It was his custom

to begin his Thursday lectures with this remark, but today it was

postponed; for, no sooner had George appeared, than a breezy voice

on the outskirts of the throng spoke in a tone that made

competition impossible.

"For goodness' sake, George."

And Billie Dore detached herself from the group, a trim vision in

blue. She wore a dust-coat and a motor veil, and her eyes and

cheeks were glowing from the fresh air.

"For goodness' sake, George, what are you doing here?"

"I was just going to ask you the same thing."

"Oh, I motored down with a boy I know. We had a breakdown just

outside the gates. We were on our way to Brighton for lunch. He

suggested I should pass the time seeing the sights while he fixed

up the sprockets or the differential gear or whatever it was. He's

coming to pick me up when he's through. But, on the level, George,

how do you get this way? You sneak out of town and leave the show

flat, and nobody has a notion where you are. Why, we were thinking

of advertising for you, or going to the police or something. For

all anybody knew, you might have been sandbagged or dropped in the

river."

This aspect of the matter had not occurred to George till now. His

sudden descent on Belpher had seemed to him the only natural course

to pursue. He had not realized that he would be missed, and that

his absence might have caused grave inconvenience to a large number

of people.

"I never thought of that. I--well, I just happened to come here."

"You aren't living in this old castle?"

"Not quite. I've a cottage down the road. I wanted a few days in

the country so I rented it."

"But what made you choose this place?"

Keggs, who had been regarding these disturbers of the peace with

dignified disapproval, coughed.

"If you would not mind, madam. We are waiting."

"Eh? How's that?" Miss Dore looked up with a bright smile. "I'm

sorry. Come along, George. Get in the game." She nodded cheerfully

to the butler. "All right. All set now. You may fire when ready,

Gridley."

Keggs bowed austerely, and cleared his throat again.

"We are now in the main 'all, and before going any further I would

like to call your attention to Sir Peter Lely's portrait of the

fifth countess. Said by experts to be in his best manner."