"What an outrage!" she exclaimed. "Mr. Atwood has never seen these people, never set foot in this building! I myself met this unfortunate man but once in my life!"
The group pricked up its ears.
"We shall be very glad to publish your denial," assured the spokesman.
"Oh, don't publish anything," she cried. "Drop us out of it altogether, I beg of you!"
"But in the light of the new developments, it would be only just to you and Mr. Atwood," he persisted.
"What developments?"
"The revelations concerning Chapman's—er—irregular mode of life. His former wife—she lives in Jersey City—has laid certain information before the police. She seems to care for him still, after a fashion. She only heard this morning of his remarriage, though she met and talked with him day before yesterday."
Jean's hand sought the wall.
"What does she know?"
"The police won't disclose. But they say her information, taken with another clew that's come into their hands, will lead shortly to an arrest. Shall we publish the denial, Mrs. Atwood?"