“Likely enough,” agreed Rupert, “but worth while perhaps.”
“Oh, that's fanaticism,” Deede Dawson answered. “Flattering perhaps to me, but not quite reasonable, eh?”
“There's only one thing I want to know from you,” Rupert said slowly.
“Then why not ask it, why not agree to the little arrangement I suggest, eh? Eh, Rupert Dunsmore?”
“You know me, then?”
“Oh, long enough.”
“Where is Ella?”
Deede Dawson laughed again.
“That's a thing I know and you don't,” he said. “Well, she's safe away in London by this time.”
“That's a lie, for her mother's here still,” answered Rupert, even though his heart leapt merely to hear the words.