"On account of blackmail. How dare you make such a proposition to me?"
"You know," said Silver pointedly.
"I know nothing. It is the first time I have heard of any letter. Who wrote it, may I ask?"
"You know," said Silver again.
Lady Agnes was so insulted by his triumphant look that she could have struck his grinning face. However, she had too strong a nature to lower herself in this way, and pointed to a chair. "Let me ask you a few questions, Mr. Silver," she said imperiously.
"Oh, I am quite ready to answer whatever you choose to ask," he retorted, taking his seat again and secretly surprised at her self-control.
"You say that Chaldea holds a letter which inveigled my husband to his death?" demanded Lady Agnes coolly.
"Yes. And she wants five thousand pounds for it."
"Why doesn't she give it to the police?"
"One thousand pounds is not enough for the letter. It is worth more—to some people," and Silver raised his pale eyes again.