They were in the dark. The doctor struck a match for his cigar. As the match flickered down, he smiled a little.
“You’ll reap your reward for this somewhere,” he concluded.
After the doctor had gone and the three were alone again, Aunt Philomela confronted Barnes.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were going to confess the truth to Dr. Merriweather?”
“Because I didn’t know it myself until I saw him.”
“You placed me in a very embarrassing position.”
“I thought to rescue you from one,” exclaimed Barnes with concern.
“After I had repeated to him that mess of stuff you told me!”
“But my wish was to save you from further committing yourself.”
“You had no business getting me into the pickle.”