"I—I forgive you?" she murmured, at length. "It is for you to forgive me." She paused a moment and choked back a sob; then added, bravely, "I—I can even wish for your happiness, my dear; my hope is dead."
Only Locke understood, and as he watched Zita he resolved to do all he could for her, realizing that some one else had made her a victim of her love and jealousy.
All breathed a sigh of relief when at last they came again in sight of the lights of Brent Rock.
There was just the trace of a shadow to cloud the momentary happiness at their safe arrival, as, on the steps, Zita refused to enter.
"I—I must say good-by," she murmured, wistfully, turning to go out into the night alone.
Nothing that either Locke or Eva could say seemed to swerve her purpose.
"Can't you see?" she exclaimed, finally, turning to Locke. "Balcom, Paul, and Doctor Q all trust me now. I can help you solve the mystery better if I leave the house."
This was so evident that Locke and Eva were forced to consent. They took her back to the city, leaving her where she could be unobserved, then returned in a very hopeful mood again to Brent Rock.
"I think she can and will help us," declared Eva, intuitively.
"Yes," agreed Locke, slowly, "and if Zita finds the record of her birth I believe we shall solve the mystery."