"Because Lady Balscombe made me promise I would not tell of her visit," said Myles. "When she found out Calliston had been playing her false she left in a rage, saying she would go hark to her house, and not jeopardise her position in society for his sake. If I had told you of her visit I would have had to tell you all the rest."
"Why place your neck in a noose for the sake of any woman?" said Norwood.
"I would not have done so," replied Myles. "If it came to the worst I would have told all, but I wanted to remain true to my promise as long as I could."
"Whom did you think Calliston had gone off with?"
"At first I thought no one," replied Myles slowly, "but when you came and questioned me about Lena Sarschine, I remembered the change of clothes, and, of course, knowing they were twins--for Lady Balscombe told me all on that night--I guessed that Lena Sarschine had taken her sister's place."
"So far so good," said Norwood. "But now for your strong reasons not to tell the real name of the dead woman?"
Myles grew pale again, and bit his nether lip fiercely. Then he turned towards May and took both her hands.
"Can you bear a shock?" he asked, looking searchingly at her.
"Yes," she replied faintly.
"Good heavens!" thought Norwood. "Surely he isn't going to confess he murdered the woman himself?"