"Look here, Mrs. Piper," he exclaimed, "perhaps I ought to tell you
frankly that _my_ name is Radmore. I no longer call myself 'Major
Radmore.' My address for the present is Old Place, Beechfield. But
Beechfield alone would find me, and I hope your husband will let me
know if I can do anything for him."
"There now! Could one ever hope for such a thing coming to pass as my
meeting you, sir, accidental like?"
Mrs. Piper was genuinely moved and excited. She felt that Providence, in
whom she only believed when she was in trouble, had done her a good turn.
For a moment or two she remained silent, thinking intently, wondering
whether she dared take advantage of this extraordinary chance--a chance
that might never occur again.
"I take it, sir," she said at last, "that you are a friend of Mrs.
Crofton's?"
"Of course I am well acquainted with the lady you name." There came a
tone of reserve, instantly detected by the woman's quick ear and quicker
mind, into the speaker's voice. "And I had a great regard for your
husband's late employer, Colonel Crofton," he added.
"Aye, 'e was a good gentleman and no mistake," said Mrs. Piper feelingly.
She was wondering how far she dare go.
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