Coming across the distance, subdued and earnest, he caught the tones of a voice which was instantly familiar.
“Don't be startled. Don't answer me. There's a man with you. Tell him nothing. If you ever loved me, even for a second, don't believe a word he says.”
She had not been arrested! A wave of joy swept over him. The uncertainty as to whether she was arrested had been crushing him.
He waited, hoping she would speak again.
Shattering the spell with a touch of bathos, the operator inquired, “Number?”
With that he rang off. As he raised his head, he had the uncomfortable sensation that the Major had turned away from watching him.
VI
So you want to be rid of me!” The Major glanced across his shoulder, at the same time making no effort to remove himself.
Hindwood crossed the room thoughtfully and seated himself. “I've made no secret of it from the moment you entered.”
The Major laughed genially. “I don't blame you. You think I'm a wronged husband trying to get even, or else an unscrupulous detective baiting traps with falsehoods. The situation's unpleasant—for you, especially.”