He checked himself before finishing the sentence, and went out into the hall.
"I think I had best go to Midlands and consult with Mr. Fern," he said to Gouger in a low tone. "There is a possibility that his daughter has returned since you came away. What an awful list of horrible thoughts crowd on one! If you can help me any I will send you word later."
When Mr. Weil was gone, Mr. Gouger opened the door and looked again into Roseleaf's room. The young man had not changed his position in the least.
"He has started for Midlands," he said. "What do you think of his explanation in regard to his absence last night?"
"I think—I know—it is a lie!" was the quick reply.
"You really believe she went away to meet him—and that he has passed the last twenty-four hours with her."
"Undoubtedly."
The critic waited a minute.
"Do you think they are married?" he asked.
Roseleaf closed his eyes, as a terrible pain shot across them. He wondered dimly why this fellow should delight in uttering things that must cause suffering. Gouger deliberated whether to say more, but thinking that he had left the right idea in the young man's mind for the purpose he had in view, he softly withdrew from the chamber and left the house. When Roseleaf looked up again, some minutes later, he was alone.