“I hope you are feeling better,” he said. She was obviously ill, and lines of black showed round her eyes.
“I am afraid this visit has been very dull for you,” she said.
“On the contrary, I have enjoyed it immensely,” he hesitated. “Miss Watson,” he said, “I would not like to worry you, but if it should happen that certain suspicions gather round someone who is perhaps dear to you⸺”
He got no further. Her face turned ashen, and she reeled as though about to faint. Collins caught her, and held her, but she repulsed him.
“What do you mean?” she said in a hoarse whisper.
“I want to warn you. If you hear anything—any rumour about Sanders⸺”
“Eric?” she said, in unmistakable astonishment. “Whatever should there be against him?”
There was more relief than indignation in her tone, which Collins was quick to notice. He took a quick resolve.
“I will tell you. On the day that your father was murdered, after he had posted a letter, Mr. Sanders called to see him.”
Now her eyes were wide open with horror.