“Since just before the mur—the death of Mr. Orizaba.”
“You think her manner altered toward you, about that time, or just before his death?”
“No, sir, I cannot say that her manner altered; only I am certain that there was some sorrow or trouble on her mind which she did not tell to me.”
“I see. And before that, or rather up to that time, she had been in the habit of confiding her troubles to you?”
“Always, sir.”
“Now let us take a back step for a moment: Tell me just why you came to see me to-night.”
“Why, sir, you have already said that you know.”
“I know the reason for your wanting assistance, but I do not know why you selected me to render that assistance. For example, if this occasion had arisen a month ago, you would not have come here to me about it, would you?”
“No, sir.”
“Why not?”