"That's not to the point; but no, I haven't."
"Then how do you know this?"
In spite of herself, in spite of her growing horror at the weakness of this man who had seemed so strong, Helen could not repress a touch of womanly sympathy in her reply.
"Because, Elijah, I know you."
Elijah was not to be turned easily from a real wrong. It was good to feel a just cause of resentment.
"You have no right to pry into my private affairs. I have given you no warrant for it."
"Yes, you have given me a right. I am associated with you in this business and I have a right to know. I wish you would tell me if I am right in my guess."
The impulse was strong in Elijah to attempt to deceive Helen even as he had long deceived himself, but there was a look in her eyes that weakened the impulse.
"Why?"
"Because that would square you with yourself. You could hunt a way out then, and I'm ready to help you. But you haven't answered my question yet. Am I right?"