"Well, Haskins," he inquired, "and what do you mean to do now?"
"I shall let you know that later," retorted Gerald quickly.
"You must be certain now, at all events," pursued the Major calmly, "that Mavis is insane. No one but a madwoman would have stabbed Bellaria."
"How dare you say that when you know perfectly well that Mavis is innocent?"
"Indeed, Haskins, then who is guilty?"
"I should like you to tell me that," said Gerald significantly.
Rebb gave a short laugh. "Are you going to accuse me?" he remarked, much in the same manner as Haskins himself had spoken earlier to Morgan.
"You know best."
"Don't be a fool, Haskins," said Rebb, flushing, and very roughly; "considering the circumstances of the case, and what you--on false premises--are ready to do, would I be such an idiot as to kill Bellaria?"
"Yes," said Gerald dryly, "you knew that I would move heaven and earth to prove Mavis' sanity so that I could marry her. Therefore, in order that her homicidal mania could be proved beyond all doubt, you had Bellaria killed and Mavis taken away. If she cannot prove her innocence--and I can guess how difficult it will be for her to do so--you will then have her put into an asylum, and enjoy her money for the rest of your life. It's a very pretty plot, Major Rebb."