Doctor Heath vouchsafed him one dark glance, then bending above the uplifted hand of Constance Wardour, he looked straight down into her eyes, and said in a low, tense voice,
"Miss Wardour, your words have been not an accusation, but an insult; as such, I can only accept them—in silence; good morning."
Then he turned, waved the private detective haughtily from before the door, and strode out, his heels ringing firm upon the hall marble as he went.
"I fear I intruded," said Mr. Belknap, innocently. "I have just finished making some notes in the library, and am ready to proceed to the upper floor."
"Breakfast." It was Nelly who appeared with this announcement, which was welcome, at least to Mr. Belknap, and pale, silent, subdued, Constance motioned him to precede her to the dining room.
"I'm sure to be in a situation," mused the girl with a rueful grimace. "If it's only a tête-á-tête breakfast with a detective."
CHAPTER VIII.
ONE DETECTIVE TOO MANY.
"Aunt Honor," said Miss Wardour, sweeping unceremoniously into her aunt's dressing room, "you really must come to my relief."