"Impossible!"
"Nothing is impossible to a woman who has set her heart on finding out what she wants to know. Neil refused to tell me, papa refused, you refused in the meanest manner. Well, I have found out--from Mrs. Jent."
"She never told you!" cried Heron, agitated.
"Not of her own free will. I got it out of her. But I know now what is the matter. Ah, I see you don't believe me; you are still incredulous. Just listen, then. Neil's real name is Jenner; his mother killed his father, and is now in gaol. Am I right?"
"Perfectly." He was relieved to find that she did not know the worst. "I congratulate you on your diplomacy."
"I thought you were going to use a nastier word. I am sure you were tempted to."
"No, believe me----"
"How can I believe you when you behave as you have done? Why are you here instead of in Paris?"
"Because when I saw Webster I found he was very ill. Someone had to look after him, and I seemed to be the right person just then. You would not have had me leave the poor fellow to die?"
"No." Ruth held out her hand, which he seized eagerly. "On the whole I think you are a very good man, Mr. Heron. But why did you tell me that you were in Paris, and that Neil also was abroad?"