“That was hardly loyal to her husband,” said Nick.
“Lady Deland did not so regard it,” replied Senator Barclay. “She argued that she could not serve him better than to dispel my suspicions and set him right in my opinion. Bear in mind that she has known me from childhood, with absolute confidence in me. She would have no greater faith in her own father.”
“I can appreciate that, senator, as far as it goes.”
“I do not feel that it was quite right to sanction her suggestion,” Senator Barclay allowed. “I knew, in fact, that it was quite wrong. I reasoned, on the other hand, however, that it would be of vast relief and advantage to me to positively verify her assertions. The temptation was one I really could not resist.”
“You allowed her to show you the document?” said Nick inquiringly.
“Not at that time,” Senator Barclay replied. “It then was impossible for her to have done so secretly. Sir Edward Deland was at home, talking with my daughter and another lady in the conservatory.”
“And you alone with Lady Deland, of course, during your discussion.”
“Yes, on the side veranda.”
“What did you decide to do?”
“Lady Deland decided for me. She said that Sir Edward was going to New York yesterday morning for two or three days, also that she knew the combination of the safe and in what compartment the document had been placed.”