"Yes, I was there once; but that did not give me an acquaintance with Mr. Orcutt."
"Yet he went almost every day to her house."
"And he came while I was there, but that did not give me an acquaintance with him."
"He was reserved, then, in his manners, uncommunicative, possibly morose?"
"He was just what I would expect such a gentleman to be at the table with women like my cousin and myself."
"Not morose, then; only reserved."
"Exactly," the short, quick bow of the amiable spinster seemed to assert.
Mr. Gryce drew a deep breath. This well seemed to be destitute of even a drop of moisture.
"Why do you ask me about Mr. Orcutt? Has his death in any way affected young Mansell's prospects?"
"That is what I want to find out," declared Mr. Gryce. Then, without giving her time for another question, said: "Where did Mrs. Clemmens first make the acquaintance of Mr. Orcutt? Wasn't it in some town out West?"