Dr. Jim took Bess by the arm and drew her into the room. Robin winced and shrank aside as the doctor entered. Bess had evidently been typing at her worktable, for it was drawn near the window, and some manuscript lay open on the table. Before this stood a chair, and near it was another chair in which to all appearances Robin Joyce had been seated.
"Now then!" said Herrick, when he had placed the girl in her chair, "what does this mean?"
"Nothing," said Robin very pale but trying to speak calmly. "Only that I asked Miss Endicotte to be my wife, and she refused."
"Quite right," flashed out Herrick angrily. "What right have you to ask her to be your wife?"
Before Robin could answer (not that he showed any inclination to do so) Bess started to her feet. "Yes!" she said indignantly. "He did ask me to be his wife and because I refused to marry him, he threatened me."
"Threatened you," Herrick turned on Joyce with a dangerous look.
"No! No!" implored Robin very white, "forget what I said. I did not mean any harm. I shall go away."
Herrick seized him by the wrist. "You will do nothing of the sort," he said quietly. "You must wait until I have heard all about this."
"Robin winced again and looked cowed. His lips were dry, his face was pale, and he cast an imploring look upon Bess. The girl returned that look with one of defiance and addressed herself to Herrick.
"Do you know what that little coward has accused me of?" she cried fiercely. "He said that I murdered Colonel Carr!"