Nay, more! Far from regretting what he had done, in his tone rang a note of satisfaction in his accomplishment.
She had never believed him guilty.
Even with the gems spread out before her and every evidence of crime apparent, she had not believed it.
Not until she heard the bitter, irrevocable confession from his own lips did she waver, and even then she battled against the truth, refusing to be convinced. There must be some explanation, she told herself. Nevertheless, the shock of what she had learned was overwhelming.
It seemed as if every ounce of strength left her body. Her head swam. Her heart beat wildly.
"I must not give way!" she reiterated to herself. "I must put on a brave front. He must not suspect I know."
It took a few moments for her to regain her grip on herself, to quiet her throbbing heart, to drag back her ebbing strength.
Then she knocked at the door.
"Here is your coffee, Mr. Heath," she called.
She hoped his friend would open the door and relieve her of the tray that she might immediately withdraw, but instead, Heath himself responded: