"You have told Mr. Wallace?"
"Yes. He suggested I should see you. The news upset him very much."
"It will be better if I see her alone, I think."
"I think so too. Not that I want to put the burden upon you, but coming from me——" he shrugged his shoulders. "I will leave you then, and ask her to come in."
Harding met her at the door. Closing it behind her, he took her hand and led her to the chair where she had been sitting before Durham arrived.
"Jess," he said softly, as he stood by her, still holding her hand, "I have sad news to tell you."
Her fingers closed tighter upon his, but beyond that she made no sign.
"Durham asked me to tell you."
"Charlie," she said in a tense whisper. "It is about him. He is——"
A shudder went through her and her voice broke.