“In London—at the house of a mutual friend.”
Her expression caused me to ponder, for I discerned that she was inclined to doubt me.
“And why are you seeking her now?”
“I have a distinct object in view.”
“You’ve—well, perhaps you’ve fallen in love with her—eh?” she laughed lightly.
“Not at all,” I assured her. “I have a private, but very strong, motive in discovering her. I want to put to her certain questions.”
“About what, Mr. Garfield? Come, it is now my turn to be a little inquisitive,” and she laughed again.
“About a certain little matter in which we are mutually interested,” was my evasive answer. Then, after a pause, I looked straight into her eyes, and added very earnestly: “I wonder whether if I should require your help, Mrs. Cullerton, you would assist me?”
“In what way?”
“At present I cannot tell. To be frank, I am striving to solve a great and inscrutable mystery. Just now I am amazed and bewildered. But I feel that you are the only person who could help me—because you and I are equally in peril.”