"In my discretion I left the passage out. I can answer no questions about it. Please don't press me, Madame Zabriska."
"I will know," she said excitedly, almost angrily.
Neeld came to a stand opposite her, deep perplexity expressing itself in his look and manner.
"Did he talk about us? Did he talk about Lady Tristram?"
"I am speaking to you, and to you only, Madame Zabriska?"
"Yes, yes—to me only."
"He did mention you, and he did speak of Lady Tristram."
"That's why you weren't surprised when I told you he called me the Imp!" She smiled a moment, and Neeld smiled too. But in an instant she was eager again. "And about Lady Tristram?"
"It was no use reprinting poor Lady Tristram's story." He sat down again, trying to look as though the subject were done with; but he rubbed his hands together nervously and would not meet Mina's eyes. There was a long pause; Mina rose, took the Journal, put it in the cupboard and turned the key on it. She came back and stood over him.