"That being the case, it is clear that my reputation for discretion is unassailable. You see the force of that argument, my lord?"
"Certainly," replied Cyril wearily.
"Anything, therefore, which I may discover during the course of this investigation, you may rest assured will be kept absolutely secret." He paused a moment. "You can, therefore, confide in me without fear," continued the detective.
Cyril was surprised and a little startled. What did the man know?
"What makes you think I have anything to confide?" he asked.
"It is quite obvious, my lord, that you are holding something back—something which would explain your attitude towards Lady Wilmersley."
"I don't follow you," replied Cyril, on his guard.
"You have given every one to understand that you have never seen her ladyship. You take up a stranger's cause very warmly, my lord."
"I trust I shall always espouse the cause of every persecuted woman."
"But how are you sure that she was persecuted? Every one praises his lordship's devotion to her. He gave her everything she could wish for except liberty. If she was insane, his conduct deserves great praise."