Miss Paynton stared at him in surprise, and burst into a merry laugh. His objection seemed supremely ridiculous to her at that moment.
"My dear boy, why should he? The account of an old murder case can have nothing to do with him. I found the papers in the garret among a heap of old books. I don't suppose he knows of their existence."
"It was a real case, wasn't it?"
"Yes; it took place at Horriston in 1866. But of course the public need not know that."
"Well, I told someone about it."
"Oh, you are an idiot, Frank; or else," added Jenny more graciously, "you are very honest. I suppose you explained that the story was founded on fact?"
"Yes."
"Who asked you about it?"
"Three people. An old gentleman, and two young men."