The question was put with an abruptness that startled her; again a feeling of fear was uppermost. It was strange he should know Hector Woodridge; still more curious that he was on the Sea-mew in Torbay. He must know if Hector Woodridge boarded the yacht; was he concealing something?
"I do not know what I should do. It would depend upon circumstances."
"What circumstances?" he asked.
"If I knew he was innocent, I should speak, I think—that is, if I could prove it."
"She must be able to prove it," he said. "I believe he is suffering, keeping silent, to save her."
"If he is, his conduct is heroic," she said.
"Foolish—a sin and a shame that he should waste his life for such a woman."
"You think her a very bad woman?"
"I do, one of the worst," he said.
She sighed.