"Sheer madness. I wanted a new adventure that night, and risked the police court. I trusted to my wits to get us out if caught. If not, well, 'the papers have been stolen!'"
"The dumb servants?"
"The gardener really is dumb. Forbes I gave five pounds a week to sham, for safety's sake. I couldn't risk his talking in the village. I've only had this house two months—I wanted it for perfect rest. I didn't come down here every day—just when the mood took me. I used to motor up to London at night, sometimes sending the car back empty (Forbes drove), sometimes coming myself. When you were here I used to leave the car a mile away and walk."
"Alone!"
"Oh, yes," she smiled. "I always carried the revolver for protection. That was true in a sense. I was never interfered with, though I had some trouble at times dodging Tony, Brown and Mr. Hedderwick. It was exciting work."
He laughed, at her courage and his ignorance of her. She laughed gaily in return.
"Is that enough?"
"Not quite," he demurred. "Why were you so angry with Mizzi that night you caught us?"
She blushed.
"Ah! I am ashamed to tell you that. One day perhaps I shall ... not now."