“Then if you wish it, Mr Statham, I will say nothing to Mr Barclay,” she remarked.
“No. You need say nothing. I will send him a message in the morning. But,” he added, looking straight into the girl’s beautiful face, “will you not reconsider your decision, Miss Rolfe?”
“My decision! Of what?” she asked.
“Regarding the statement made to you by Maud Petrovitch. She told you something. What was it? Come, tell me. Some very great financial interests are involved in the ex-Minister’s disappearance. Your information may save me from very heavy losses. Will you not assist me?”
“I regret that it is impossible.”
“Have I not even to-night been your friend?” he pointed out. “Have I not warned you against the man who is Max Barclay’s secret enemy—and yours—the man Jean Adam?”
“I am very grateful indeed to you,” she answered; “and if it were in my power, I would tell you what she told me.”
“In your power!” he laughed. “Why, of course, it is in your power to speak, if you wish?”
“Maud made a confession to me,” she declared, “and I hold it sacred.”
“A confession!” he exclaimed, regarding her in surprise. “Regarding her father, I suppose?”