Audrey interrupted him. Speaking earnestly and distinctly she said:—
“Mr. Candover was my husband’s most intimate friend, and it was he who induced me to take this business, to use the name of Rocada, and who introduced me to the people who had the letting of ‘The Briars’. I have acted on his advice throughout, and I cannot but think the advice was very bad.”
Sir Barnaby looked interested, incredulous.
“Candover was a friend of your husband’s, you say?”
“Yes.”
There was a moment’s pause. Audrey wished to get rid of her visitor, but Sir Barnaby was anxious to say more. Neither noticed, as they stood in the doorway, that on the staircase, which was softly carpeted and illuminated only by one jet of electric light, a young man was standing, watching them.
Sir Barnaby suddenly seized her hand and pressed it to his lips.
“Never trust a husband’s friend,” said he. “Trust me. I’ll be yours.”
But Audrey scarcely even heard him. She had caught sight of the waiting figure beyond in the obscurity on the staircase, and her eyes were straining to pierce the gloom.
“Thank you,” she said mechanically, as she drew her hand away, and Sir Barnaby, having nothing more to say, was forced to go out.