"When Miss Hargone came down here after the death of my uncle."
"I ask these questions, miss, because that ring was seen on your finger on the Saturday you visited your uncle's chambers."
Donna Maria turned pale. "I--I did----" she faltered.
"You told me a falsehood before," said Torry coldly. "Do you intend to tell me another?"
"No!" cried Maria, raising her head proudly. "I did visit those rooms."
It was with a triumphant smile on her lips that Lydia heard what Maria said about the ring and visit. When Torry was assured of the truth, she spoke to him with composure and some insolence.
"You see, sir," said she, "I did not wear my ring on that day, nor did I visit Mr. Ghent's chambers. You owe me an apology for your doubts."
"It would seem so," replied Torry with affected humility. "Do you think I owe Mr. Leighbourne one also?"
"Mr. Leighbourne?" echoed Miss Hargone coolly. "You mean the elder?"
"I mean the younger, the one from whom you received a telegram."
The unexpectedness of this query threw Lydia off her guard. "How do you know I received a telegram from him?" she asked.
"I met the telegraph boy and he told me."
"Told you that I had received a telegram?"
"Yes," said Torry falsely. "Of course, you'll deny it?"
"No," said Lydia with brazen assurance; "why should I deny it?"
"Why indeed, miss, seeing that Mr. Frederick Leighbourne loves you."
"Ah!" sneered the detective, "will it be news to Mr. Blake?"
"Sir!" cried Miss Hargone, rising, with a flush of anger, "you are insolent!"
"No," said Torry, who wished to make her lose her temper that she might speak incautiously, "I am only candid. Donna Maria will agree with me, miss, that you are a very lucky young lady to be loved by three men. To be sure," added Torry, as to himself, "there are only two now."
Donna Maria, who had sat pale, calm, and silent during their conversation, darted a flaming glance at Lydia but said nothing. The look made the governess quail, but retaining her self-command, she pretended ignorance. She had a difficult part to play, but she played it well.
"I do not quite understand," said she quietly. "Perhaps, sir, you will explain. Who are my lovers?"
"Mr. Blake to whom you are engaged; Mr. Frederick Leighbourne, with whom you have some understanding; and the late Mr. Grent."