Page:The Rejuvenation Of Miss Semaphore.pdf/163

 poor Prudence. "As I explained to you already, I thought I was placing her in a good home, with a kind, respectable woman, but it seems I was mistaken."

If anyone has formed an opinion that another is wily, the simplest speech or action tends to confirm it. In the heart-moving accents of Prudence, Inspector Smith heard only duplicity. In her open, though tear-stained, countenance he read nothing but low cunning.

"It's quite wonderful," he said coldly, "to see how easy it is to deceive people when it is to their interests to be deceived; they ask no questions and they are told no lies, and a troublesome baby is got rid of, that's how it is."

"Well, I did want to get rid of her for a little time," admitted Prudence, with the characteristic foolish candour that so often covers the innocent with suspicion, "because it was not convenient to have her where I live. If you knew the circumstances, sir, you would feel for me. They are very peculiar and extraordinary, but indeed I asked questions and Mrs. Brown told me lies."

The Inspector looked at her under his shaggy brows, he did not quite know what to