"She testified in your behalf?"
"Yes. And Miss Robinette, if you'll only talk to her—if you'll only ask her about it, she'll tell you the story exactly as I've told it. She trusted me; she was the only bright spot in all the blackness. I may not be able to convince you—but she could, Miss Robinette. If you'll only—"
"Would you guarantee the truth of anything she should tell me?"
"Absolutely."
"Even if she told hidden things?"
"Hidden? I don't know what you mean. There's nothing to be hidden. What she tells you will be the truth, the whole truth, the absolute truth."
"I'm—I'm sorry." She turned again to the window. Houston went forward.
"Sorry? Why? There's nothing—"
"Miss Jierdon has told me," came in a strained voice, "things that perhaps you did not mean for her to tell."
"I? Why, I—"