Lounging in his chair, Zirknitz made this astonishing statement as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Mrs. Moxton looked at Ellis in surprise, and both looked at Rudolph.
"Is this true?" asked Ellis, doubtfully.
"Eh, mon cher, most assuredly. I tell lies only when necessary."
"Rudolph, you must explain how it was you came to be in Dukesfield on that night."
"My dear sister, did I not say I would come for Janet?"
"Yes, and you never kept your promise."
"No," chimed in Ellis. "Polly Horley said the same thing."
Rudolph smiled in a most engaging manner.
"Ah, that excellent Horley! How much she knows of what she knows not. My sister, have I your permission to smoke?"
Mrs. Moxton impatiently nodded an assent. "But I am waiting to hear how you did not come for Janet and yet were in Dukesfield on that night."