"There—there——" His voice stuck in his throat.
He put his hand on her shoulder, standing between her and her father.
"Tell them——" She looked up at him with her piteous eyes.
"She's worried to death," said Rowcliffe. "You might have left it for to-night at any rate."
"We couldn't, Steven, when you've sent for Greatorex. We must get at the truth before he comes."
Rowcliffe shrugged his shoulders.
"Have you brought him?" said the Vicar.
"No, I haven't. He's in Morfe. I've sent word for him to come on here."
Alice looked sharply at him.
"What have you sent for him for? Do you suppose he'd give me away?"