She shook her head slowly, while Mr. Weil looked on, uncertain what to do or say. He wanted more than anything else in his life to lay hands upon the cause of all her woes.
"You have not told me yet what he has done," she said.
"He shall tell you," replied Roseleaf, sharply. "Stand up, Hannibal, and answer truly the questions I am about to propound to you."
The crouching figure tottered to his feet. The negro was weak from fear.
"Did you try twice this morning to murder me?"
"Yes," replied the shaking voice. "But I was insane with my troubles—I did not realize what I was doing—I—"
Daisy's slight hand, still on the barrel of the rifle, was bearing it steadily to the ground.
"Once," she said to Roseleaf, impressively, "you told me you loved me! Have you regard enough left to grant me a favor?"
He shook his head.