The baronet’s low state rendered his words careless and indefinite, but his friend did not wish to bother him unduly.
“The police have discovered,” he said, “that Mrs. Hillmer formed a close intimacy with some one whom she designated by that name and rank, though I have failed to trace any British officer who answers to his description. He disappeared, or died, as some people put it, about the same time as your wife.”
“Is it not known what became of him, then?”
“No.”
“Won’t Mrs. Hillmer tell you?”
“She absolutely refuses to give any help, whatever.”
“On what ground?”
“That is best known to herself. My theory is that a man she loves is implicated in the affair, and she is prepared to go to any lengths to shield him.”
“Ah!”