"Because I wish to be your friend, and I know that you are in danger."
"I am in no danger if you allude to this preposterous accusation that I killed my husband. If needs be I can protect myself should the occasion arise."
"By denouncing someone else?"
Mrs. Moxton turned on Ellis with a frown. "What do you mean?"
"Rumour says that if you did not murder Moxton yourself you know who did, and that you are shielding him."
"Him! Oh, I am shielding a man," said the widow, catching at the final word. "Set your mind at rest, doctor, I am shielding no man."
"Mrs. Moxton, why not be candid and tell me all?"
"I told all I knew at the inquest," she replied sullenly.
"Can you swear that you do not know who killed your husband?"
"I was on my oath at the inquest, I tell you," cried the woman, passionately. "I will not swear again--to you."