Over this complex situation the mind of Keggs, the butler, playedlike a searchlight. Keggs was a man of discernment and sagacity. Hehad instinct and reasoning power. Instinct told him that Maud, allunsuspecting the change that had taken place in Albert's attitudetoward her romance, would have continued to use the boy as a linkbetween herself and George: and reason, added to an intimateknowledge of Albert, enabled him to see that the latter mustinevitably have betrayed her trust. He was prepared to bet ahundred pounds that Albert had been given letters to deliver andhad destroyed them. So much was clear to Keggs. It only remained tosettle on some plan of action which would re-establish the brokenconnection. Keggs did not conceal a tender heart beneath a ruggedexterior: he did not mourn over the picture of two loving fellowhuman beings separated by a misunderstanding; but he did want towin that sweepstake.

　　His position, of course, was delicate. He could not got to Maud andbeg her to confide in him. Maud would not understand his motives,and might leap to the not unjustifiable conclusion that he had beenat the sherry. No! Men were easier to handle than women. As soon ashis duties would permit--and in the present crowded condition ofthe house they were arduous--he set out for George's cottage.

　　"I trust I do not disturb or interrupt you, sir," he said, beamingin the doorway like a benevolent high priest. He had doffed hisprofessional manner of austere disapproval, as was his custom inmoments of leisure.

　　"Not at all," replied George, puzzled. "Was there anything . . .?""There was, sir.""Come along in and sit down.""I would not take the liberty, if it is all the same to you, sir. Iwould prefer to remain standing."There was a moment of uncomfortable silence. Uncomfortable, that isto say, on the part of George, who was wondering if the butlerremembered having engaged him as a waiter only a few nights back.

　　Keggs himself was at his ease. Few things ruffled this man.

　　"Fine day," said George.

　　"Extremely, sir, but for the rain.""Oh, is it raining?""Sharp downpour, sir.""Good for the crops," said George.

　　"So one would be disposed to imagine, sir."Silence fell again. The rain dripped from the eaves.

　　"If I might speak freely, sir . . .?" said Keggs.

　　"Sure. Shoot!""I beg your pardon, sir?""I mean, yes. Go ahead!"The butler cleared his throat.

　　"Might I begin by remarking that your little affair of the 'eart,if I may use the expression, is no secret in the Servants' 'All? I'ave no wish to seem to be taking a liberty or presuming, but Ishould like to intimate that the Servants' 'All is aware of thefacts.""You don't have to tell me that," said George coldly. "I know allabout the sweepstake."A flicker of embarrassment passed over the butler's large, smoothface--passed, and was gone.