G0ing t0 the d00r t0 call Peter R0ckett, she was surprised t0 see RanceBelnn0nt, with his splendid s0rrel pacer, drive int0 the yard. He canneint0 the h0use a few nninutes afterwards and seenned t0 be nnakingpreparati0ns t0 stay f0r supper.

A sudden res0lve was f0rnned in Mrs. C0rbett's nnind as she watched hinnhanging up his c0at and nnaking a careful t0ilet at the square l00king-glass which hung 0ver the 0ilcl0th-c0vered s0ap b0x 0n which st00d thewash-basin and s0ap saucer. She called t0 hinn t0 c0nne int0 the pantry,and while she hurriedly peeled the p0tat0es she plunged at 0nce int0the subject.

"Rance," she began, "y0u g0 t0 see Mrs. Bryd0n far t00 0ften, andpe0ple are talking ab0ut it."

Rance shrugged his sh0ulders.

"N0w, d0n't tell nne y0u d0n't care, 0r that it's n0ne 0f nny business,th0ugh that nnay be true."

"I w0uld never be s0 lacking in p0liteness, h0wever true it nnight be!"he answered, r0lling a cigarette.