"I never refer to my clients, Mrs. Kildair," he said stiffly.
"I desire to put this matter entirely in your hands—without reserve," she said quickly. "All I ask from you is a promise that, notwithstanding your relations with him past or present, nothing I say to you shall be repeated to Mr. Slade, or to any one else."
"Mrs. Kildair," said McKenna, every faculty joyfully grateful for the contest of wits he felt impending, "I must remind you that my employer is Mr. Beecher, and that I can promise nothing that will keep him from doing anything he desires.
"Mr. Beecher is acting for me," she said calmly. "Very well; your position is correct. I will put it this way. Subject to Mr. Beecher's approval, will you give me your word that you will repeat nothing of what I may tell you?"
"If Mr. Beecher is willing, I am," said McKenna obstinately. "That's my word."
"Now I can speak to you freely," said Mrs. Kildair.
"I have not promised yet," broke in McKenna.
"I will take the risk," she said, brushing aside the obstacle with an impatient gesture.
"I remain entirely free to communicate anything to Mr. Beecher," interposed the detective instantly.
"You do not understand," she said, without irritation. "Mr. Beecher, in retaining you, did so to assist me, and only after he had secured my permission. Now I desire, in order to arrive at quicker results and to be free to give you my full confidence, to transfer that authority direct to me. In other words, Mr. McKenna, I wish to retain you myself and for myself only."