'Bah!' She tossed the letter back to me with a little disdainful laugh. 'It reads like a love-letter, and is anything but filial.' As I folded the letter and put it carefully away, she watched me keenly.
'Mr. Masters,' she said, 'you have been in some unaccountable manner startled, or shocked, by that letter.'
I could neither deny nor explain, and I frankly admitted it, assuring her that she would not remain long in the dark.
'Oh, I can wait,' she smiled. 'Do not fancy me so unreasonable as to expect the full confidence of a detective. Only, don't fear for my "nerves," and let me help in any way that I can. I think,' laughing, 'that I have said this before.'
I was anxious to go now, and, rising, I took her at her word. 'You can help me in two ways,' I said, 'but I must ask you not to demand reasons just yet.'
'Go on,' she said promptly.
'First, should this brunette, this "H. A.," write you again, will you inform me at once, and—I don't think it likely to occur, but if she should call here, will you refuse to receive her?'
'Yes to both. But she does not know my address.'
'You forget; she has been seen to pass this house. Don't be too sure.'
'I will be on my guard. Is that all?'