XI
"I came here again, thinking perhaps you might wish to explain your action." The words came from Mrs. Challoner, who, unattended, had found her way into the prosecutor's office.
Murgatroyd quickly laid down his cigar. Doubtless he was annoyed, but in spite of himself he could not help admiring the pluck which she showed in coming directly to him; and as he came forward to meet her, he saw that it was with difficulty that she kept on her feet. For a moment they faced each other in silence, yet in the eyes of each there was a look of fearful misunderstanding. Again the woman spoke.
"What have you to say to me?"
Murgatroyd frowned, his bearing slipped off some of its deference when he retorted in a voice full of emotion:—
"What have you to say to me?..."
The prosecutor's perfect self-possession and earnestness unnerved her for an instant.
"I—" she faltered and stopped before his scornful glance.
"Yes, you, Mrs. Challoner. Do you recall our compact? Your silence was the essence of it. Why did you break it?"
Miriam Challoner checked a wild desire to laugh hysterically.