mother knew.

"This hotel overcharges," she said firmly.

"Really! I should have scarcely have thought--"

"There were two pieces of plum cake on the bill, and we only ate one."

"Oh, I've just remembered," said Miss Cronin, as if irradiated with
sudden light.

"What, dear?"

"I _did_ have two slices. One was before the muffin, while we were
waiting for it, and the other was after. And I only remembered the
second."

"In that case, dear, we've done the waiter an injustice and libelled the
hotel."

"I will make it all right if you will allow me," said Braybrooke almost
obsequiously. "I'm well known here. I will explain to the manager, a
most charming man."

He turned definitely to face Fanny Cronin.

"Miss Van Tuyn asked me to tell you what she wants."

"Indeed! Does she want something?"