“My dear young lady,” he said, “we are infinitely obliged to you, I am sure.”

“Yes, indeed,” said George. “Though I⁠—er⁠—”

He paused in some perplexity, staring at a young lady who was a total stranger to him.

Loraine looked appealingly at Jimmy, who came to the rescue.

“Er⁠—this is Miss Wade,” said Jimmy. “Gerald Wade’s sister.”

“Indeed,” said George, shaking her warmly by the hand. “My dear Miss Wade, I must express my deep gratitude to you for what you have done. I must confess that I do not quite see⁠—”

He paused delicately and four of the persons present felt that explanations were going to be fraught with much difficulty. Superintendent Battle came to the rescue.