"Where?" they asked, speaking again in chorus.
"Here, in this room!"
Trascott stared, but the lawyer, keener in perception, swiftly swept the room with his eyes, looking for a place of concealment. His glance reached the tapestry and he understood.
He stepped across the floor to the curtains and seized them with both hands.
"Is this the place of eavesdropping?" he cried in vexation, tossing the thick hangings apart.
Standing in the space of the double doorway, was Britton's wife.
"My friends," said Britton, "I thank you for letting her hear your just, impartial decision."
Mercia advanced to the centre of the room, while two of the three occupants regarded her astoundedly. Her cheeks were pale as whitest marble, and the pallor was accentuated by the pearly fairness of her arms and neck revealed by the evening dress which she still wore. She said nothing, but her eyes were fixed on those of her husband.
"This was prearrangement," snapped Ainsworth, his indignation overwhelming his astonishment.
"It was," Rex said. "I deemed it the only perfect way, and I ask your pardon for the advantage I took."