be given. Why he should have committed such a deed," he went on, in
a changed voice, and after a momentary pause, "it would be
impossible for me, and perhaps for any other man, to say; but that
he did do it is evident, and that is all I mean to assert. The rest
I leave for wiser heads than mine." And turning from me with an
indescribable look that to my reason, if not to my head, seemed to
belie his words, he offered his arm to his bewildered sister and
quietly led her towards the door.

The breath of relief I gave as the _portiere_ closed behind
them was, however, premature, for scarcely had he seen her on her
way upstairs than he came back, and taking his stand directly before
me, said:

"You and I do not agree on this question; I see it in your eyes. Now
what explanation do you give of Mr. Barrows' death?"

The suddenness of the attack brought the blood to my cheeks, while
the necessity of answering drove it as quickly away. He saw I was
agitated, and a slight tremble--it could not be called a smile--
disturbed the set contour of his lips. The sight of it gave me
courage. I let my own curl as I replied:

"You do me too much honor to ask my opinion. But since you wish to
know what I think, I consider it only justice to say that it would
be easier for an unprejudiced mind to believe that Mr. Barrows had a
secret enemy, or that his death was owing to some peculiar and
perhaps unexplainable accident, than that he should seek it himself,
having, as he did, every reason for living."