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Olivia Pendarth and her colourless younger sister, Anne, the latter now long dead, had settled down at Beechfield in the nineties of the last century. When both over thirty years of age, they had selected Beechfield as a dwelling-place because of its quiet charm and nearness to London.
She knew everything there was to know about Timmy Tosswill. His mother had early confided in her, and she never spoke of the child to other people. Like so many gossips, when really trusted with a secret, Miss Pendarth could keep a confidence none better.
"I'm awfully grateful to you for having told me about Beechfield," she exclaimed. "Although I've hardly been here a week, I do feel what a delightful place it is! Everybody is so kind and friendly. Why the very first day I was here I was asked to supper at Old Place and several people have left cards on me already. What sort of a woman is Miss " she hesitated, "Pendarth?"
"Old enough to know better than to get herself talked about the first hour she arrived," observed Miss Pendarth grimly. "I don't think she can have done that " "Not only did she bring a man with her, a Captain Tremaine, but just before he left they had some kind of quarrel which was overheard by two of the tradespeople who were calling to leave their cards." "How how horrid," murmured Betty.
"Well, when he had just emerged from babyhood. But I doubt if anyone knew it but Timmy's parents, the doctor, myself, and yes, I mustn't forget Nanna. He was a very extraordinary little child. He spoke so very early, you know." "I do remember that." "Unfortunately," went on Miss Pendarth, "it's difficult to know when Timmy is telling the truth, or what he believes to be the truth, about his gift.
Thank Heaven, they didn't know, and never would. "Did you ever read the report of the inquest on Colonel Crofton?" asked Miss Pendarth meaningly. "I hadn't the chance. I was still in Australia," he said shortly. "If you'll wait a moment I'll bring it to you," was the, to him, astonishing reply.
John," she said, smiling, "this letter is too funny! Olivia Pendarth may be a good friend, but she's certainly a good hater. She simply loathes Mrs. Crofton." Then, deliberately, she went over to the fireplace and, lighting a match, set fire to the letter. Timmy watched the big sheet of paper curling up in the flame.
But the help, offered and accepted in the same spirit, could not go on for long, for Miss Pendarth came home after a four days' absence; and, for the first time in many months, Janet Tosswill made time to pay a formal call at Rose Cottage in order that she might thank her old friend.
Crofton, I'm not so very much surprised!" "Then you have seen her?" Betty smiled. "I've just had a glimpse of her," admitted Miss Pendarth grudgingly, "as she came out of church, a day or two ago, with your sister Dolly." "She's extraordinarily pretty, isn't she?" "Too theatrical for my taste.
"Perhaps," said Miss Pendarth slowly, "the boy has more reason to dislike her than we know." As Radmore said nothing, she went on: "Mrs. Crofton is behaving in a very wrong, as well as in a very unladylike, way with Jack Tosswill." Radmore moved uneasily in his seat. It was time for him to escape. This was the Miss Pendarth of long ago noted for the spiteful, dangerous things she sometimes said.
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