‘I think that you do, Monsieur.’
They paused by mutual consent, and looked at one another keenly and steadfastly.
‘Will Madame sit down?’ asked the Italian, indicating a fallen tree-trunk which lay beside the hedge. The narrow lane was shady and secluded, and it was not likely that anyone would pass by to disturb them. ‘We had better understand one another. May I ask in what way Madame proposes to assist me?’
‘Your object, Monsieur, if I mistake you not, is to repair some great injustice which my nephew has committed against his friend. Am I not right so far as I go?’
‘I will not say that Madame is altogether deceived; but I should like to know on what grounds you suspect your nephew.’
Mrs. Belassis hardly knew how to put into words her vague suspicions. She would much rather that her companion suggested the nature of the injustice. She tried to draw him out.
‘I have been frank with you, Monsieur, and have told you that I suspect my nephew. Is not that enough? It is your turn now to tell me what it is you have discovered, that will bear upon our suspicion.’
But the bait did not take.
‘Our suspicion is doubtless the same. I am aware that one does not like to put it into words. May I ask further against which of Mr. Debenham’s friends Madame believes this injustice to have been done?’
‘Against Mr. Torwood, of course.’