Shirley Bloodgood drew a long breath.
"And Colonel Hargraves was robbed," she murmured to herself.
"I don't think you understand," Miriam went on, breaking in upon her thoughts. "Of course I don't believe that Laurie is guilty of the things they charge him with; but he must come back and stand trial and be acquitted—and I must stand by his side through it all." She broke down completely.
"On the evidence they have," Shirley returned, trying to comfort her, "they'll——"
"What's that?" inquired Mrs. Challoner, starting up nervously, in alarm. "It's that horrible bell ringing again," she went on breathlessly. "Don't you hear voices below? Listen—I thought I heard...."
Shirley stole to the door and listened. Presently she called back:—
"Don't worry—whoever it is, Stevens is sending them away!"
"I hope so," sighed Miriam, "for I can't see any one—I won't see any one, unless—Oh, Laurie, Laurie," she cried out, "why don't you come home!"
Suddenly Shirley fell back from the door; it was being stealthily pushed open.
"Oh," she gasped, "it's only Stevens! How you frightened me!"