Our junior nodded.
"Yes—I think you did right to come back. But I haven't any news—at least, I believe that she herself would wish to tell you——"
Curtiss started sharp around.
"Then you know?" he asked. "You know why she left me?"
Mr. Royce paused an instant, then chose the better way.
"Yes," he said. "Lester hit upon it, and we proved he was right."
Curtiss was out of his chair now; but he held himself well in hand.
"And you'll tell me?"
"It was nothing that reflects on either of you. It was something neither of you could help nor do anything to alter."
"So it's bad news!" and his face turned suddenly livid.