"You think I'm a villain?"
I made no comment.
"I've come to thank you, ma'am. If you'd pressed that girl's case it might have been well—awkward."
I told him that had I known the law, I should have done my best to get him penal servitude for life.
"That's straight," he answered indulgently, "you always were clear grit, and that's why I want—well, ma'am," he lowered his eyes, "I'm going to confess. You don't mind?" he added.
My eyes betrayed my one desire, escape, but he stood in the doorway leading to the house.
"Your presence," I said, "is distasteful. Please, will you let me pass?"
"Not till I've set things straight."
There was no bell with which to summon help, and I should have been ashamed to make a scene.
"Go on," I said.