“It’s a shame,” said the bodyguard reproachfully. “I know he’ll be the death on you, ma’am. Poor dear thing!”

He gave way more. The opposite party followed up the attack.

“Oh, don’t leave me⁠—don’t leave me, Goodwin,” murmured Mrs. Pott, clutching at the wrist of the said Goodwin with an hysteric jerk. “You’re the only person that’s kind to me, Goodwin.”

At this affecting appeal, Goodwin got up a little domestic tragedy of her own, and shed tears copiously.

“Never, ma’am⁠—never,” said Goodwin. “Oh, sir, you should be careful⁠—you should indeed; you don’t know what harm you may do missis; you’ll be sorry for it one day, I know⁠—I’ve always said so.”

The unlucky Pott looked timidly on, but said nothing.