“‘How is who getting on?’
“‘Why, Harry and Viola, of course.’
“‘Oh, they are getting on splendidly, I judge from the appearance of things; the hanks were terribly tousled, the balls all scattered about on the floor, and Viola’s cheeks showed a little crimson tinge; in fact, she blushed perceptibly as I entered the room. Would you not say that was a favorable omen?’
“‘The very best in the world.’
“‘That was a skillful maneuver, Lottie, to put them to winding yarn; nothing could have been better.’
“‘I thought so; because if we can get them to talking freely all will come right.’
“‘They were conversing when I went in, and Viola dropped the yarn on the floor.’
“‘Ah! if we can just control Harry we shall all be happy once more. If Viola would only tell what she knows about the death of her brother, Harry would be able to establish her innocence and take her out of prison. She, of course, can never be happy while this dreadful suspicion hangs over her.’
“‘What is it that you think she knows and refuses to tell?’
“‘Oh, don’t ask me to tell you what I know. I am somewhat of a detective myself, and I’ll have you know that I can see into a mill-stone as deeply as anybody. You shall hear from me at the proper time; the murderer of that poor little boy is not in this jail by a long way.’