"But why?" Again he returned to the letter. "And why does he write to you?"
"Because he knew I knew about it. He didn't know that Mr Neeld did."
"And this—this Lady Tristram of Blent?" Iver's voice was hesitating and conscious as he pronounced the name that was to have become his daughter's.
Again the pink-ribboned Deus made entry on the scene, to give the speaker a more striking answer.
"A lady to see you, ma'am. Miss Gainsborough."
The three men sprang to their feet; with a sudden wrench Mina turned her chair round toward the door. A tall slim girl in black came in with a quick yet hesitating step.
"Forgive me, Madame Zabriska. But I had to come. Harry said you were his friend. Do you know anything about him? Do you know where he is?" She looked at the men and blushed as she returned their bow with a hurried recognition.
"No, I haven't seen him. I know nothing," said Mina.
"The letter, Mina," Duplay reminded her, and Mina held it out to Cecily.
Cecily came forward, took and read it. She looked again at the group, evidently puzzled.