But her suspicions were still awake.
"'That's all, is it ?" "That's enough when you're down and out." His words had an unmistakable accent of finality.

She couldn't help wanting to believe him, and yet, he wasn't what he had pretended to be--and this night of all nights was no time to take people on trust! "How do I know you won't steal the spoons ?" she queried, her voice still gruff.
"Are they nice spoons ?" he asked with absurd seriousness.
She couldn't help smiling at his tone.

"Beautiful spoons." Again that engaging, boyish manner of his touched something in her heart.
"Spoons are a great temptation to me, Miss Van Gorder--but if you'll take me, I'll promise to leave them alone." "That's extremely kind of you," she answered with grim humor, knowing herself beaten.

She went over to ring for Billy.
Lizzie took the opportunity to gain her ear.
"I don't trust him, Miss Neily! He's too smooth!" she whispered warningly.
Miss Cornelia stiffened.

"I haven't asked for your opinion, Lizzie," she said.
But Lizzie was not to be put off by the Van Gorder manner.
"Oh," she whispered, "you're just as bad as all the rest of 'em.