“Has picked him up with the tongs? I have a very decided idea! In fact, I know.”
“You do! Is it a secret?”
“It is. Such a big secret, that if it leaked out, the whole universe, so far as it affects the Wheeler family, would be turned topsy-turvy!”
“Connected with the—the death of Mr. Appleby?”
“Not with the murder—if that’s what you mean. But it was because of the death of Mr. Appleby that the secret came to light.”
“Can you tell me?”
“I can—but do I want to?”
“What would make you want to?”
“Why—only if you could do what you sort of suggested—make Mr. Keefe resume his attentions to poor little Genevieve and leave the lovely Maida to you.”
“But how can I do that?”