The object of such combined curiosity casts an appealing glance at her companion, then quickly rising, leaves the dining-room.
Waiting for a few moments, the man, slowly and with no appearance of concern, follows.
Sir Donald briefly hesitates, then abruptly quits the table. Stepping to the stairway, he sees the man ascending. Calling to him, Sir Donald craves an interview upon "very important business."
With show of hesitation and vexed impatience, the stranger answers, "Well?"
Sir Donald ascends, and begging pardon for his abrupt manners, says:
"If I am not mistaken, the young lady who just left the table in such distress is supposed to be dead."
"Years ago she was reported drowned in the Thames."
Raising his hand appealingly, the stranger beckons Sir Donald to follow. They enter a room at the extreme rear of the building. It connects with one adjoining. This door is quickly closed. Offering Sir Donald a seat at the farther side, the stranger asks him to speak in low tones.
Comprehending that the woman is in the other room and that her companion desires her not to hear their talk, Sir Donald does as requested.
Sir Donald hesitates; then cautiously replies:
Realizing that this man is craftily fencing against some hazard, Sir Donald will await more definite disclosures.
The stranger perceives this. He must confide in Sir Donald, and thereby secure his aid.
"Suppose it should prove that you are right, what then?"
"We all would be too happy," is the guarded reply.
"Would you and your family keep such knowledge secret until we consented to its publicity?"
"No light consideration would prompt any of us to oppose your wishes. However, to save an innocent person from suspicion of murder or to promote the happiness of some loved one, I would tell all."
"I cannot grasp your meaning. Who is suspected of murder? Whose happiness could be promoted by such disclosures?"
Sir Donald is now sure that this man knows nothing of the facts prompting these reservations.
"Alice Webster and Oswald Langdon are supposed to be dead. Alice is alive and now in the adjoining room. Paul Lanier committed the assault. Pierre Lanier has defrauded Alice out of a large estate. She is alive and interested in recovery of the property. I would do all in my power to aid her. Against any breaches of confidence I decline to make pledges. The time and money I have spent to right her wrongs show my sincerity. What assurances should you require that I will not betray this poor, long-suffering girl?"