"But, Dora," expostulated Allen, "why should Edermont convene a meeting of so many people at such a late hour?"
"I cannot guess. The explanation may be contained in the stolen manuscript. All my guardian's actions were wrapped up in mystery, and there may be more people connected with this matter than we dream of. But this is not the point. Can I take away this brooch?"
"As you please," said Allen indifferently; "except to exonerate myself in your eyes, I would not have betrayed Lady Burville, murderess as I believe her to be."
"You would win fifty thousand pounds by doing so."
"Blood money!" said Scott angrily. "No, Dora; I do not wish to build up my fortunes in that way, on the ruin of others. I do not say, should Joad denounce me, that I would keep silent. One must save one's own neck if possible; but otherwise I say nothing, I do nothing. All things thought about, or done, cannot gain me your hand; the rest may go."
"Well, my dear Allen," said Dora, pocketing the brooch, "you refuse to tell me this secret, and I have promised not to press you. But if I can't marry you, at least I can save you."
"My dear Dora," said he after a pause, "you have no reasonable excuse for seeking an interview with Lady Burville."
"You have just given me an excellent excuse, Allen--the pearl brooch."
"But Lady Burville will know that I have betrayed her."
"No doubt. But I will show her that you have done so to save your own life."
"What do you intend to do?" he asked abruptly.
"Force Lady Burville to confess her share in these mysteries."
"She will not do that," said Scott, shaking his head. "On the surface she is a frivolous little creature, but from what I saw of her I am inclined to believe that such frivolity conceals a strong will."
"No doubt, Allen. She must be a clever and merciless woman to plan and carry out so dexterous a crime. I do not see why you should save her life at the expense of your own. Leave me to deal with her, and I'll force her to speak."
"Would you have her arrested for the crime?"
"If Joad denounces you, I shall denounce her," said Dora quietly; "but there may be no necessity for such an extreme course. Wait until I see her."
"Oh, I can get her address from her late host, Sir Harry Hernwood."