"Why--yes," I faltered.

Closing the door behind her, she walked over to the fireplace.

"Won't you sit down?" I asked. "No, I thank you. This is not an
afternoon call, Miss Middleton, it is--But of course you
understand."

I didn't understand at all, and her manner of saying I did made me
furious.

"Perhaps I am very stupid," I said, "but I cannot imagine why you
are here."

"Do you know where my son is?"

"I do not."

"You have no idea?"

"I have no idea where your son is, nor why you are here."

She eyed me intently. How cold and determined she looked and how
handsome she was.

"If I thought you were telling the truth--"

"Mrs. Porter!"