“Do you believe Mrs. Clarke to be guilty or innocent?”
“Oh, innocent!” exclaimed Daventry, with unusual warmth.
“And does Bruce Evelin?”
“I believe so. I assume so.”
“I noticed that, while I was listening to you both, he never expressed any opinion, or gave any hint of what his opinion was on the point.”
“I feel sure he thinks her innocent,” said Daventry, still almost with heat. “Not that it much matters,” he added, in a less prejudiced voice. “The point is, we must prove her to be innocent whether she is nor not. I happen to feel positive she is. She isn’t the least the siren type of woman, though men like her.”
“What type is she?”
“The intellectual type. Not a blue-stocking! God forbid! I couldn’t defend a blue-stocking. But she’s a woman full of taste, who cares immensely for fine and beautiful things, for things that appeal to the eye and the mind. In that way, perhaps, she’s almost a sensualist. But, in any other way! I want you to know her. She’s a very interesting woman. Esme Darlington says her perceptions are exquisite. Mrs. Chetwinde’s backing her up for all she’s worth.”
“Then she believes her to be innocent too, of course.”
“Of course. Come with me to Mrs. Chetwinde’s next Sunday afternoon. She’ll be there.”