"We all would be too happy," is the guarded reply.
"Would you and your family keep such knowledge secret until we consented to its publicity?"
Here Sir Donald judiciously temporizes.
"No light consideration would prompt any of us to oppose your wishes. However, to save an innocent person from suspicion of murder or to promote the happiness of some loved one, I would tell all."
The stranger here looks puzzled.
"I cannot grasp your meaning. Who is suspected of murder? Whose happiness could be promoted by such disclosures?"
Sir Donald is now sure that this man knows nothing of the facts prompting these reservations.
"Alice Webster and Oswald Langdon are supposed to be dead. Alice is alive and now in the adjoining room. Paul Lanier committed the assault. Pierre Lanier has defrauded Alice out of a large estate. She is alive and interested in recovery of the property. I would do all in my power to aid her. Against any breaches of confidence I decline to make pledges. The time and money I have spent to right her wrongs show my sincerity. What assurances should you require that I will not betray this poor, long-suffering girl?"
The stranger seems affected by Sir Donald's positive speech and honest look. He is silent for a few moments, then rises and tells Sir Donald that what has been said will be considered.
"I doubt not we can arrive at some friendly understanding. If desired I will meet you here this evening at eight. It will not be necessary to suggest that nothing be said about our conversation."