"I do not know," she said.
For a moment the old woman stood looking at her, something like menace in her face; it seemed as though she were about to burst forth into a torrent of words. But Ashton-Kirk rose.
"If you don't mind," said he, calmly, "I should like to go through the house."
Slowly the stern eyes turned from the girl to the speaker.
"You will not see him?" indicating the direction of the library.
"Not until afterward."
Without another word she walked toward the door. Ashton-Kirk followed her; as he was stepping into the hall he looked back. Stella Corbin was standing erect, her hands clasped, her face white and drawn with what seemed suspense; and the great dark eyes, filled with terror, were fixed steadily upon him.