Why do you ask?'
'Because the Bent baby has got it, and the whole hotel is upside
down in consequence. The Waddy has ''set her five young on the
rail" and fled. The Dancing Master fears for his precious throat,
and that miserable little woman, his wife, has no notion of what
ought to be done. She wanted to put it into a mustard bath for
croup!'
'Where did you learn all this?'
'Just now, on the Mall. Dr. Howlen told me. The manager of the
hotel is abusing the Bents, and the Bents are abusing the manager.
They are a feckless couple.'
'Well. What's on your mind?'
'This; and I know it's a grave thing to ask.
Would you seriously object to my bringing the child over here,
with its mother?'
'On the most strict understanding that we see nothing of the
Dancing Master.'
'He will be only too glad to stay away. Polly, you're an angel. The
woman really is at her wits' end.'
'And you know nothing about her, careless, and would hold her up
to public scorn if it gave you a minute's amusement. Therefore you
risk your life for the sake of her brat. No, Loo, I'm not the angel. I
shall keep to my rooms and avoid her. But do as you please only
tell me why you do it.'
Mrs. Hauksbee's eyes softened; she looked out of the window and
back into Mrs. Mallowe's face.
'I don't know,' said Mrs. Hauksbee simply.
'You dear!'
'Polly! and for aught you knew you might have taken my fringe off.
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