"And you wish me to tell people that?"
"Yes, as pointedly as possible, in as few words as possible, and without mentioning names if possible."
"Oh, it would not be necessary to mention names; everybody would understand the slightest reference."
"Well, when you have done that," said Blundel, "you have granted me my favor."
"And you want it to be brief?" said Miss Jessup.
"See here," said Blundel; "you are a woman. I want you to speak the truth for another woman as plainly, and—as delicately as a woman can. A man would say too much or too little; that is why I come to you."
She touched her book with her pencil, and evidently warmed at once.
"I always liked her," she said, with genuine good feeling, "and I could not help hoping that the story was not true, after all. As it was public property, it was my business to find out all about it if I could; but I couldn't help being sorry. I believe I can say the right thing, and I will do my best. At any rate, it will be altogether different from the other versions."
"There won't be any other versions if I can prevent it," returned Blundel. "I shall have some interviews with newspaper men to-night, which will accomplish that end, I hope."