“His chance!” said Jacynth, staring at him.
“Certainly; it wasn’t so bad a chance. He might, he positively would have got off all right. But she chose to take the guilt on her own shoulders, and now she has created an enigma very difficult of solution.”
“You mean——” Jacynth paused; he seemed gasping for breath.
“I mean——” suddenly Lord Castleton grew silent, and gazed at his companion with a troubled countenance. “Do you mean,” said he, “that you didn’t know? Why, you conducted the case for her.”
“I know nothing,” said Jacynth, with great agitation. “If you can throw any honest light on the matter, do it, I entreat you.”
“I hardly know whether I should. I”—Castleton drew back from him—“I was so sure you knew that——my dear fellow, pray forget what I have said.”
“I shall forget nothing,” said Jacynth sturdily. “I should advise you not to forget either. Look here, Castleton,” catching his arm, “is it advisable to forget? Who knows what this telegram may mean? We are both friends of hers.”
“Are you a friend of his?”
“No! Why should I disguise the truth? I have told you before how I regard him. But what has that got to do with it?”
“You are prejudiced.”