"He's a cheerful soul, not given to moping, and he's easily pleased; he always cheers Mr. Picton up, and he wants it at times—more than ever now," she thought.
It had come as a shock to her when Picton told her Hector had escaped and was on board the Sea-mew. She wondered if he were safe there. Picton told her Hector would be so changed when he left the yacht that no one would recognize him, and that he would change his name. Hector Woodridge would be dead to the world.
"Unless he can prove his innocence," he said.
"Oh, I wish that could be done!" she said. "Some day I think it will come to pass. He's innocent, I'm sure of it. Do you know what I think, Mr. Picton?"
"No; what is it?"
"I believe Mrs. Elroy killed her husband."
"Good heavens!" exclaimed Picton. "What makes you think that?"
"I read every scrap of evidence at the trial. I am almost certain Mr. Hector was shielding her; he's just the sort."
"If your surmise is correct his innocence will never come to light, because he will never betray her," said Picton.
"Perhaps not, but she can't stand that on her conscience forever, she'll have to confess sooner or later, the burden is more than any woman or man can bear," she said.