Stingaree. Ernest William Hornung

she had grown distraite, but at Radford's speech she turned back to Sir Julian with shining eyes.

      "My wife wants a companion for the voyage," he was saying. "So that will cost you nothing, but if anything the other way, and once in London, I'll be answerable. I've adjudicated these things for years to voices not in the same class as yours. But the worst of it is you won't stay with us."

      "I will."

      "No; they'll want you at Covent Garden before ​we know where we are. And when you are ready to go to them, go you must."

      "I shall do what you tell me."

      "Then speak to Mrs. Clarkson at once."

      Hilda Bouverie glanced over her shoulder, but her employers had left the building. Her smile was less roguish than demure.

      "There is no need, Sir Julian. Mrs. Clarkson has already spoken to me, though only in a whisper. But I am to take myself off by the next coach."