"I never did, and I never shall," with vehemence. "You are one of those that can prove anything——"
"If you were sure of his responsibility, would you go to Washington?"
"Haven't I the evidence of my own senses? Were not all Livingstone's friends on the committee which exposed Sister Claire?"
"Because we insisted on that or a public trial, and they came with sour stomachs," said Arthur, glad that he had begun to discuss the point. "Would you go to Washington if you were sure he backed the woman?"
"Enough, young man. I'm off for the train. Here, Mary, my satchel——"
Two strong bands were laid on his shoulders, he was pushed back into his chair, and the face which glowered on him after this astonishing violence for the moment stilled his rage and astonishment.
"Would you go to Washington if you were sure Livingstone backed Sister Claire?" came the relentless question.
"No, I wouldn't," he answered vacantly.
"Do you wish to be made sure of it?"
He began to turn purple and to bluster.