She stopped.
Dudley's hand, the one Max could see from where he stood, moved convulsively. After another short pause, Carrie raised her head, and their eyes met. Each evidently saw something oddly interesting in the face of the other.
"I shall have to make some inquiries about you," said he at last.
"Very well. You can go and make them."
Her tone was matter-of-fact, but neither impudent nor defiant. She did not seem to care.
"This Dick Barker, who has been nabbed, as you elegantly express it, is some sweetheart of yours, I suppose? And you have persuaded Mrs. Higgs to send me this absurd message, asking me to appear for him?"
"No. He's nothing to me. Mrs. Higgs wants him got off, because if he's convicted he'll tell all he knows, or at least enough to set the police on."
"And what is that to me?"
Another pause, during which she looked down. Then Carrie raised her eyes again, and looked at him steadily.
"Oh, well, you know best."