"When she left me to dress, as I've already told you. I've been speaking the truth, Mr. Lester."
"Pardon me," I said; "I hadn't the least doubt of it; but I'm sure you can appreciate my position, can look at it from Mr. Curtiss's side. Perhaps you suspect where Miss Lawrence is, without being absolutely certain. If you would tell me——"
She stopped me with a sudden gesture; I saw that I had touched the truth.
"Or, at least," I persisted, pressing my advantage, "if you know why your daughter fled, you might yourself tell Mr. Curtiss——"
Again she stopped me.
"The secret is not mine," she said hoarsely.
"Whose is it? Who has the right to tell?"
"No one!"
"And you will let it wreck two lives?"
I saw the spasm of pain which crossed her face. She must yield; a moment more, and I should know the secret!