"Yes, Mr. Fredericksohn?" Gloria said.
"I have told him all," Mrs. Wladek said. "All. Everything. Total."
"Er ... yes," Mr. Fredericksohn said. He faced Gloria resolutely. "Mrs. Wladek has said something about a ... about a spell. Do you know what she might be talking about? Something you said, some impression you gave her—"
"A spell?" Gloria shook her head. "I can't think how she got that idea," she said calmly.
"You do not fool him," Mrs. Wladek said. "He knows. I have told him all."
"Certainly," Mr. Fredericksohn murmured. "But perhaps some little thing—"
"My report will be ready in an hour," Gloria said. "But I'm sure there was nothing."
Mr. Fredericksohn coughed convulsively. "I suppose not," he said. "I realize this is rather unpleasant for you—"
"I quite understand," Gloria said.
Mrs. Wladek came out of her chair in a single movement and clutched Gloria by the left arm. "What is happening?" she demanded.