Garrison thought he saw a light that cleared her as he could have wished. He hastened to a question bearing directly upon it.
"Did the Robinsons know of this clause in your Uncle Hardy's will—say, two or three weeks ago?"
"No. They knew nothing of it then."
Garrison's heart sank. "You are sure?"
"Absolutely positive. Uncle John was very secretive."
The suggestion that the Robinsons, having known the condition in the will, had destroyed John Hardy in the belief that Dorothy, being unmarried, would thereby lose the inheritance, was vanishing. Garrison still had hope.
"You once alluded to certain obligations that—well, compelled you to hire a husband," he said. "You had no urgent need of funds in a large amount?"
She darted him a startled look. "I shall have a pressing need—soon.
I suppose you have a right to know."
Garrison was almost in despair. There was nothing to do but go on.
"Did Mr. Hardy know anything of this need?"