she hoped at least to be able to discover something concerning the
nature of the partnership which she supposed to exist among her enemies,
and something perhaps about their plans. The averted face of Wiggins
seemed to her the attitude of conscious guilt; but she felt a little
puzzled at signs of emotion which he exhibited, and which seemed hardly
the result of conscious guilt. Once or twice a perceptible shudder
passed through his frame; his bent head bowed lower; he covered his face
with his hands; and at her last words there came from him a low moan
that seemed to indicate suffering.

"It's his acting," she thought. "I wonder what his next pretense will
be?"

Wiggins sat for some minutes without saying a word. When at length he
raised his head he did not look at Edith, but fastened his eyes on
vacancy, and went on to speak in a low voice.

"Your remarks," said he, "are all based on a misconception. This man is
no confederate of mine. I have no confederate. I--I work out my
purpose--by myself."

"I'm sure I wish that I could believe this," said Edith; "but
unfortunately Mrs. Dunbar espouses his cause with so much warmth and
enthusiasm that I am forced to conclude that this Leon Dudleigh must be
a very highly valued or very valuable friend to both of you."

"In this case," said Wiggins, "Mrs. Dunbar and I have different
feelings."

Instead of feeling gratified at this disclaimer of any connection with