"I'd find nothing," Harleston rejoined.

"You'd be holding a particularly lovely and attractive bit of skirts!"
Carpenter smiled.

"I don't want to hold that at present."

"Not even--Mrs. Clephane?"

Harleston raised his eyebrows slightly.

"What do you know about Mrs. Clephane?" he asked.

"That she's even lovelier and more attractive than Mrs. Spencer."

"You've seen her--you know her?"

"You told me," replied Carpenter.

"I told you!--I never referred to Mrs. Clephane's appearance."

"Exactly: your careful reticence told me more than if you had used tons
of words. I'm a reader of secret ciphers; you don't imagine a mere
individual presents much of a problem. I tell you there are too many
petticoats mixed up in this affair of the cab of the sleeping horse,"
Carpenter repeated. "Be careful, Harleston. Women are a menace--they
spoil about everything they touch."

"Marriage in particular?" Harleston inquired.