The woman was now very near to them. She raised her head, and Tom started back in affright as he recognised the face of Aunt Leth.
"Tom," she said, holding out her hand.
But Tom, holding his hands out-stretched before him, shrank from her as she advanced.
"Tom," said Garden, "you know Mrs. Lethbridge?"
"Yes," replied Tom, in the voice of a man who was utterly dazed, "I know her."
"Would she knowingly deceive you? Would she, whose one great hope is that of saving Miss Farebrother's life, knowingly tell you a lie?"
"No; she could not, she could not!"
"Mrs. Lethbridge," said Garden, "what is the colour of the dress you are wearing?"
"Pink," said Aunt Leth, with wistful trembling.
"Pink!" muttered Tom. "Am I going mad?"