sank. "What I did--or didn't do--must always remain a mystery. I
cannot tell you--anything. Don't ask. And, if you would help me, try
your best to have inquiries stopped. Can you do this?"

"I fear not. But can't I see you--somewhere--and we can talk plainly?"

"Do you want to?"

"Indeed I do."

"Then you do believe in me? Do you hold me blameless?"

I hesitated at this. I couldn't lie to her, nor could I rid my mind of
the conviction of her guilt I said, "I will, if you assure me that is
the truth."

"I--I can't do that--good-bye."

"Wait a minute. Did you know the expected guest was coming under an
assumed name?"

"I did not."

"Did you know any Somers?"

"No."

"Did you know--the real man?"

"I had met him once, at a dance."