"Your silence acts in the same way, Iris. Dr. Lester is in danger of death, and you know he is innocent."
"He is--he is! I don't believe that he killed Milly. But how should I know the name of the real assassin?"
"Because you saw him on that night."
"I? I was not out on that night--at least, after the body was brought home."
"Iris, why will you lie to me? Eliza saw you leave the house after midnight."
"Eliza! Ah, that wretched girl has brought ruin on us all!"
"Not so--if I can save you. Tell me--did you go out?"
"Wait--wait! I'll answer in a moment. Give me time."
She rose to her feet, and, with clasped hands, walked twice or thrice up and down the room. Evidently she was considering what to say, and after some thought she faced round on Paul.
"I shall tell you," she said slowly, "but you will use the knowledge to hunt down the assassin of Milly?"