"You were not afraid?"
"Afraid!" echoed Cuthbert, opening his eyes. "What do you mean?"
She looked into his eyes. "No," she said to herself, "he is not afraid."
Cuthbert lost his temper. "I don't understand all this," he declared, "if you would only speak out. But I can guess why you wish me to stop the proceedings—you fear for Basil!"
She stepped back a pace. "For Basil?"
"Yes. From what he hinted the other day I believe he was about this place on the night of the—"
"Where are your proofs?" she gasped, recoiling.
"I have none. I am only speaking on chance. But Basil is in monetary difficulties—he is in debt to Hale—he counted on you inheriting the money of Miss Loach to pay his debts. He—"
"Stop! stop!" cried Juliet, the blood rising to her face, "this is only supposition. You can prove nothing."
"Then why do you wish me to hold my tongue?"