“I am innocent. But I persist in my refusal to allow intrusion on my private and personal affairs. Arrest me if you will, but you will yet learn your mistake.”
I can never explain it, even to myself, but something in the man's tone and manner convinced me, even against my own will, that he spoke the truth.
XX. FLEMING STONE
The news of Gregory Hall's arrest flew through the town like wildfire.
That evening I went to call on Florence Lloyd, though I had little hope that she would see me.
To my surprise, however, she welcomed me almost eagerly, and, though I knew she wanted to see me only for what legal help I might give her, I was glad even of this.
And yet her manner was far from impersonal. Indeed, she showed a slight embarrassment in my presence, which, if I had dared, I should have been glad to think meant a growing interest in our friendship.
“You have heard all?” I asked, knowing from her manner that she had.
“Yes,” she replied; “Mr. Hall was here for dinner, and then—then he went away to—”