"And you will explain?"
"If it be possible. Remember, I said that I might be able to explain, but of this I cannot be certain."
"I do not understand," sighed the girl, seating herself again. "Cyril, has this matter anything to do with you?"
"The matter of the murder?"
"Yes. I don't mean to ask if you are guilty, as I know you are not. But are you connected in any way with the matter?"
"No," he rejoined promptly, "if I were, I should be an accomplice after the fact. All the same——" He paused, looking paler than ever, and his face became peaked and haggard. "Don't ask me anything yet," he murmured.
"I am willing to trust you, dear," said Bella quietly, "but, as you remarked yourself some time ago, other people——"
He interrupted her. "Other people?"
"Yes. Some one else did see you on that evening."
"The person saw my double," corrected Cyril. "I was in London, as I told you, and as I can prove. Who is this person?"