"I fear not. But can't I see you—somewhere—and we can talk plainly?"

"Do you want to?"

"Indeed I do."

"Then you do believe in me? Do you hold me blameless?"

I hesitated at this. I couldn't lie to her, nor could I rid my mind of the conviction of her guilt I said, "I will, if you assure me that is the truth."

"I—I can't do that—good-bye."

"Wait a minute. Did you know the expected guest was coming under an assumed name?"

"I did not."

"Did you know any Somers?"

"No."