Anna the Adventuress

"It isn't necessary," they both declared breathlessly.

Brendon dismissed the subject with a wave of the hand. He glanced at

his watch.

"Let us walk round to Covent Garden," he suggested. "I daresay the

gallery will be full, but there is always the chance, and I know you

two are keen on Melba."

The girl shook her head.

"Not to-night," she said. "I have to go out."

They hesitated. As a rule their comings and goings were discussed with

perfect confidence, but on this occasion they both felt that there was

intent in her silence as to her destination. Nevertheless Sydney,

clumsily, but earnestly, had something to say about it.

"I am afraid--I really think that one of us ought to go with you," he

said. "That beast of a fellow is certain to be hanging about."

She shook her head.

"It is a secret mission," she declared. "There are policemen--and

buses."

"You shall not need either," Brendon said grimly. "We will see that he

doesn't follow you."

She thanked him with a look and rose to her feet.

"Go down and rescue the rags of my reputation," she said, smiling. "I

expect it is pretty well in shreds by now. To-morrow morning I shall

have made up my mind what to do."