A sudden misgiving appeared in Alma's eyes; she stared at him so strangely that Harvey began to fear for her reason.
'What is it, dear? What have you been thinking? Tell me—speak like yourself——'
'Why do you take so much interest in them?' she asked faintly.
'Heavens! You have suspected——? What have you suspected?'
'They are your own. I have known it for a long time.'
Alarm notwithstanding, Rolfe was so struck by the absurdity of this charge that he burst into stentorian laughter. Whilst he laughed, Alma sank into a chair, powerless, tearful.
'I should much like to know,' exclaimed Harvey, laying a hand upon her, 'how you made that astounding discovery. Do you think they are like me?'
'The girl is—or I thought so.'
'After you had decided that she must be, no doubt.' Again he exploded in laughter. 'And this is the meaning of it all? This is what you have been fretting over? For how long?'
Alma brushed away her tears, but gave no answer.