"What would you have me do, girl?" cried Mrs. Tice, forgetting her respect in her anxiety. "I dare not tell you what I know. Mr. Allen made me promise to be silent."
"Allen is acting in a very foolish manner, and so are you," said Dora quietly; "you seem to think that I am a child, to whom no secret can be confided. In ordinary cases, this would not matter to me, as I am the least curious of women. But as my happiness is at stake, I must strive to learn what you would want concealed."
"It will do you no good if you do find out," said Mrs. Tice sullenly.
"Perhaps not; but at least its discovery will throw a light on the mystery of this murder."
"There you are wrong, Miss Carew. It will do no such thing."
Dora had argued this point before; therefore she made no reply, and with a weary nod prepared to leave the room. Again Mrs. Tice laid a detaining hand upon her sleeve.
"Tell me, my dear," said she timidly, "what is it Mr. Allen said to you about the murder?"
"You had better ask him, Mrs. Tice; it is no good coming to me. Unless you tell me what you know, I shall keep silent as to my knowledge."
"Does Mr. Allen know anything about this crime?"
"Yes, he does; he knows a great deal."