"Howdidyoudiscoverthat？"heasked。
　　"Dr。McLaneandItookthehandkerchieftoalaboratoryandthechemistfoundfromthenumberofparticlesofcapsulesinthehandkerchief，thatatleasttwocapsules—ordoubletheusualdose—hadbeencrushedbyTurnbullandthefumesinhaledbyhim;
　　withfatalresults。"
　　"Holdon，"cautionedKent。"Intheflurryofthemoment，Turnbullmayhaveaccidentallyputtwocapsulesinthehandkerchief，meaningonlytouseone。"
　　"Mr。Kent，"thedetectivespokeimpressively，"thatwasn’tTurnbull’shandkerchief。"
　　"Nothisownhandkerchief！"exclaimedKent。"Then，areyousurethatTurnbullusedit？"
　　"Yes;thatfactisestablishedbyreputablewitnesses;Dr。Stone，Mr。Clymer，andthedeputymarshal，"Fergusonspokewithincreasingearnestness。"Thatisawoman’shandkerchief—lookatit。"
　　FergusonlaidthelittlebundleonthebroadarmofKent’schairandwithinfinitecarefoldedbacktheedgesofthehandkerchief，revealingashedidso，thesmallparticlesofcapsulesstillclingingtothelinen。ButKenthardlyobservedthecapsules，hisentireattentionbeingcenteredononecornerofthehandkerchief，whichhadneatlyembroideredonittheletter"B。"
　　CHAPTERVI
　　STRAIGHTQUESTIONSANDCROOKEDANSWERS
　　ColonelMcIntyre，withanangrygesture，threwdownthenewspaperhehadbeenreading。
　　"Doyoumeantosay，Helen，thatyoudeclinetogotothesupperto—nightonaccountofthedeathofJimmie’Turnbull？"heasked。
　　"Yes，father。"
　　McIntyreflushedadarkred;hewasnotaccustomedtosceneswitheitherofhisdaughters，andherewasHelenfloutinghisauthorityandBarbarabackingherup。
　　"Itisquitetimethispretenseisdropped，"heremarkedstiffly。
　　"YouwerenotengagedtoJimmie—wait，"assheattemptedtointerrupthim。"Youtoldmethenightoftheburglarythathewasnothingtoyou。’"
　　"Iwasmistaken，"Helen’svoiceshook，shewasveryneartotears。
　　"WhenIsawJimmielyingthere，dead"—shefaltered，andhershouldersdroopedforlornly—"theworldstoppedforme。"
　　"Hystericalnonsense！"McIntyrewascarefultoavoidBarbara’seyes;
　　herindignantsnorthadbeenindicativeofherfeelings。"Keeptoyourroom，Helen，untilyouregainsomecommonsense。Itisaswellourfriendsshouldnotseeyouinyourpresentframeofmind。"
　　Helenregardedherfatherunderloweredlids。"Verywell，"shesaidsubmissivelyandwalkedtowardthedoor;onreachingitshepaused，andspokeoverhershoulder。"Don’ttrymetoofar，father。"
　　McIntyrestaredforafullminuteatthedoorwaythroughwhichHelentookherdeparture。
　　"Well，whatthe—"HepulledhimselfupshortinthemiddleoftheejaculationandturnedtoBarbara。"Goandgetdressed，"hedirected。
　　"Wemustleavehereintwentyminutes。"
　　"Iamnotgoing，"sheannounced。
　　"Notgoing！"McIntyrefrowned，thenlaughedabruptly。"Now，don’ttellmeyouwereengagedtoJimmieTurnbull，also。"
　　"Ithinkyouarehorrid！"Barbara’ssmallfootcamedownwithavigorousstamp。
　　"Well，perhapsIam，"herfatheradmittedratherwearily。"Don’tkeepuswaiting，Babs;thecarwillbehereinlessthantwentyminutes。"
　　"But，father，Iprefertostayathome。"
　　AndIprefertohaveyouaccompanyus，"retortedMcIntyre。"Come，Barbara，wecannotbediscourteoustoMrs。Brewster;sheisourguest，andthissupperisforherentertainment。"
　　"Well，takeher。"Barbarawasopenlyrebellious。
　　"Barbara！"Histonecausedhertolookathiminwonder;insteadofthesternrebukesheexpected，hisvoicewasalmostwheedling。
　　"IcannotverywelltakeMrs。Brewstertoacafatthishourwithoutcausinggossip。"
　　"Oh，fiddle—sticks！"exclaimedBarbara。"Idon’thavetoplaychaperonforyoutwo。Everyoneknowssheisvisitingus;what’sthereimproperinyourtakingherouttosupper？Why"—regardinghimcritically—"she’syoungenoughtobeyourdaughter！"
　　"Gotoyourroom！"TherewasnothingwheedlingaboutMcIntyreatthatinstant;hewasthoroughlyincensed。
　　AsBarbaraspedouthappyinhavinggainedherway，sheannounced，asapartingshot，"IfyoucanbenastytoHelen;father，Icanbenasty，too。"
　　ColonelMcIntyrebroughthisfistdownonasmokingtablewithsuchforcethathescattereditscontentsoverthefloor。Whenherosefrompickingupthedebris，hefoundMrs。Brewsterathiselbow。
　　"CanIhelp？"sheasked。
　　"No，thanks，everythingisbackinplace。"Hepulledforwardachairforher。"IfagreeabletoyouIwilltelephoneBenClymerthatwewillstopforhimandtakehimwithustotheCafSt。
　　Marks;orwouldyouprefersomeotherman？"
　　"Oh，no。"Shethrewhereveningwrapacrossthesofaandsatdown。
　　"Arethegirlsready？"
　　"They—theyareindisposed，andwon’tbeabletogoto—night。"
　　"What！Bothgirls？"
　　"Yes，both"—firmly，not，however，meetinghereyes。
　　"Hadn’tIbetterstaywiththem？"sheasked。"HaveyoutelephonedorDr。Stone？"
　　"Thereisnonecessityforgivingupourlittlespree，"hedeclaredcheerily。"Thegirlsdon’tneedaphysician。They"—withmeaning，"needamother’scare。"Hepickeduphercoronationscarffromthefloorwhereithadslippedandlaiditacrossherbareshoulders;
　　theactionwasalmostacaress。Shemadealovelypictureasshesatinthehigh—backedcarvedchairinherchiceveninggown，andashersoftdarkeyesmethisardentlook，McIntyrefeltthehotbloodsurgetohistemples，andwithquickenedpulsehewenttothetelephonestandandgaveCentralanumber。
　　BackinherchairMrs。Brewstersatthoughtfullywatchinghim。ShehadbeenanunobservedwitnessofthescenewithBarbara，havingenteredthelibraryintimetohearthegirl’slastremarks。ItwasnotthefirstinklingthatshehadhadoftheirdisapprovalofColonelMcIntyre’sattentionstoher，butithadhurt。
　　Thewidowhadbecomeacquaintedwiththetwinswhen，travelinginEuropejustbeforetheoutbreakoftheWorldWar，andhadmadethehastytripbacktothiscountryintheircompany。ColonelMcIntyrehadplannedtobringthetwins，thenatschoolinParis，homehimself，butbusinesshadkepthimintheWestandhehadcabledtoaspinstercousintochaperonthemonthetripacrosstheAtlanticOcean。NorhadhereachedNewYorkintimetoseethemdisembark，andthushadmissedmeetingMrs。Brewster，theninherfirstyearofwidowhood。
　　ThefriendshipbetweenthetwinsandMrs。Brewsterhadbeenkeptupthroughmuchcorrespondence，andthewidowhadfinallypromised，tocometoWashingtonfortheirdebut，visitinghercousins，Dr。
　　andMrs。Stone。Themeetinghadbutcementedthefriendshipbetweenthem，andatthetwins’urgentrequest，secondedwithwarmthbyColonelMcIntyre，shehadpromisedtospendthemonthofAprilattheMcIntyrehome。
　　Thevisitwasnearlyover。Mrs。Brewstersighedfaintly。Thereweretwocoursesopentoher，immediatedeparture，ortocontinuetoignorethetwins’strangelyantagonisticbehavior—thefirstcoursedidnotsuitMrs。Brewster’splans。
　　Barbara，whohadleftthelibrarythroughoneofitssevendoors，hadfailedtoseeMrs。Brewsterbytheslightestmargin;shewasintentonlyonbeingwithHelen。Theaffectionbetweenthetwinswasveryclose;butwhiletheirfacialresemblancewasremarkable，theirnaturesweretotallydissimilar。Helen，theelderbytwentyminutes，wasstudious，shy，andtoomuchgiventointrospection;Barbara，onthecontrary，waswhimsicalandpracticalbyturns，withagreatcapacityforenjoyment。Thetwinshadmadetheirdebutjointlyontheireighteenthbirthday，andwhilebothwerepopular，Barbarahadreceivedthegreateramountofattention。
　　Barbaratip—toedintothesuiteofroomswhichthegirlsoccupiedoverthelibrary，expectingtofindHelenlyingonthelounge;
　　instead，shefoundherwritingbusilyatherdesk。Shetosseddownherpenashersisterentered，and，takingupablotter，carefullylaiditacrossthepageshehadbeenwriting。
　　"Thankheaven，Idon’thavetogotothatsupperparty，"Barbaraannounced，throwingherselffulllengthonthelounge。
　　"Sofathergaveitup，"commentedHelen。"Iamglad。"
　　"Gaveupnothing，"retortedhersister。"HeandMargaretBrewsteraregoing。"
　　"What！"Helenwasonherfeet。"Youletthemgooutalonetogether？"
　　"Theycan’tbealoneiftheyaretogether，"answeredBarbarapractically。"Don’tbesilly，Helen。"
　　Helendidnotansweratonce;shehadgrownsingularlypale。Walkingovertothewindowsheglancedintothestreet。"Thecarhasn’tcome，"sheexclaimed，andconsultedherwristwatch。"Hurry，Babs，youhavejust，timetodressandgowiththem。"
　　"B—b—butIsaidIwouldn’tgo，"stutteredBarbara，completelytakenbysurprise。
　　"Nomatter;tellfatheryouhavechangedyourmind。"Helenheldoutherhand。"Come，topleaseme，"andtherewasaworldofwistfulappealinherhazeleyeswhichBarbarawasunabletoresist。
　　ItwasnotuntilBarbarahadcompletedherhastytoiletandafranticdashdownstairsintimetospringintothewaitinglimousineafterMargaretBrewster，thatsherealizedshehadputononeofHelen’seveninggownsandnotherown。
　　BenjaminClymerwasstandinginthevestibuleoftheSaratoga，wherehemadehishome，whentheMcIntyrelimousinedrewup，andhedidnotkeepthemwaiting，asColonelMcIntyrehadpredictedhewouldonthedrivetoClymer’sapartmenthouse。
　　"TheclerkgavemeyourmessagewhenIcamein，McIntyre，"heexplainedasthecardroveoff。IcalledupyourresidenceandGrimessaidyouwereonthewayhere。"
　　Barbara，tuckedawayinhercornerofthelimousine，listenedtoMrs。Brewster’sanimatedchatterwithutterlackofinterest;shewishedmostheartilythatshehadnotbeenover—persuadedbyhersister，andhadremainedathome。Thatherfatherhadacceptedherlameexplanationandherpresenceinthepartywithunaffectedpleasurehadbeenplain。Mrs。Brewster，afteraquietinquiryregardingherhealth，hadbeenlessenthusiasticinherwelcome。
　　BarbarawasjuststiflingayawnwhenthelimousinestoppedattheentrancetotheCafSt。Marks。
　　Insidethecafallwaslightandgaiety，andBarbarabrightenedperceptiblyastheattentiveheadwaiterusheredthemtothetableColonelMcIntyrehadreservedearlierintheevening。
　　"It’sanovelideaturningtheoldchurchintoacaf，"BarbararemarkedtoBenjaminClymer。"AsortofcastingbreaduponthewatersoffamishedWashington。Iwonderiftheyeverturnwaterintowine？"
　　"Nosuchluck，"groanedClymerdismally，lookingwithdistasteatthesparklinggrapejuicebeingpouredintotheerstwhilechampagnegobletbyhisplate。"Thecafiscrowdedto—night，"
　　andhegazedwithinterestabouttheroom。ColonelMcIntyre，whohadloiteredbehindtospeaktoseveralfriendsatanadjacenttable，tooktheunoccupiedseatbyMrs。BrewsterandwassooninanimatedconversationwiththewidowandClymer;Barbara，herhealthyappetiteassertingitself，devotedherentireattentiontothedeliciousdelicaciesplacedbeforeher。Thearrivaloftheafter—the—theatercrowdawokeherfromherabstraction，andsheacceptedClymer’sinvitationtodancewithalacrity。WhentheyreturnedtothetableshediscoveredthatMargaretBrewsterandherfatherhadalsojoinedthedancers。
　　BarbarawatchedthemwhilekeepingupadisjointedconversationwithClymer，whoseabsentmindedremarksfinallydrewBarbara’sattention，andshewonderedwhathadcomeoverthegenerallyentertainingbanker。Itwasonthetipofhertonguetoaskhimthereasonforhisdistraitmannerwhenherthoughtsweredivertedbyhisnextremark。
　　"YourfatherandMrs。Brewstermakeafinecouple，"hesaid。
　　"ColonelMcIntyreisthemostdistinguishedlookingmaninthecafandMrs。Brewsterisaregularbeauty。"
　　InsteadofreplyingBarbaraturnedinherseatandscannedherfatherasheandMrs。Brewsterpassedtheminthedance。ColonelMcIntyredidnotlookhisageofforty—sevenyears。Hishair，prematurelygray，hadamostattractivewavetoit，andhiserectandfinelyproportionedfigureshowedtoadvantageinhiswell—cutdresssuit。Barbara’sheartswelledwithpride—herdearandhandsomefather！ThenshetransferredherregardtoMargaretBrewster;shehadbeensuchasatisfactoryfriend—whyoh，whydidshewishtobecomeherstep—mother？Thetwins，withtheunerringinstinctofwomanhood，haddecidedtendaysbeforethatWeller’swarningtohissonwastimely—Mrs。Brewsterwasamostdangerouswidow。
　　"Howisyoursister？"inquiredClymer，breakingthesilencewhichhadlastednearlyfiveminutes。Hewasneverquitecertainwhichtwinhewastalkingto，andgenerallysolvedtheproblembyfamiliarizinghimselfwiththeirmodeofdress。Theplanhadnotalwaysworkedasthetwinshadabewilderinghabitofexchangingclothes，totheenjoymentofBarbara’smischieflovingsoul，andthemystificationoftheirnumerousadmirers。
　　"Sheisratherblueanddepressed，"answeredBarbara。"WearebothfeelingthereactionfromtheshockofJimmieTurnbull’stragicdeath。YoumustforgivemeifIamabore;Iamnotgoodcompanyto—night。"
　　ThearrivaloftheheadwaiterattheirtableinterruptedClymer’sreply。
　　"Thisgentlemandesirestospeaktoyouamoment，MissMcIntyre，"
　　hesaid，andindicatedayoungmaninasacksuitstandingjustbackofhim。
　　"I’mParkerofthePost，"thereporterintroducedhimselfwithabowwhichincludedClymer。"MayIsitdown？"layinghishandonthebackofMrs。Brewster’svacantchair。
　　"Surely;andwon’tyouhaveanice？"Barbara’shospitableinstinctswerearoused。"Here，waiter—"
　　"No，thanks;Ihaven’ttime，"protestedParker，slippingintothechair。"Ijustcamefromyourhouse，MissMcIntyre;thebutlersaidImightfindyouhere，andasitwasratherimportant，Itookthelibertyofintroducingmyself。Weplantorunastory，featuringthedangersofmasqueradinginsociety，andofcourseithingesonthedeathofMr。Turnbull。I’msorry"—heapologizedashesawBarbarawince。"Irealizethetopicisonetomakeyoufeelbadly;
　　butIpromisetoaskonlyfewquestions。"HissmilewasveryengagingandBarbara’sresentmentrecededsomewhat。
　　"Whatarethey？"sheasked。
　　"DidyourecognizeMr。Turnbullinhisburglar’smake—upwhenyouconfrontedhiminthepolicecourt？"Parkerdrewoutcopypaperandapencil，andwaitedforherreply。Therewasapause。
　　"IdidnotrecognizeMr。Turnbullincourt，"shestatedfinally。
　　"Hisdeathwasafrightfulshock。"
　　"Sure。Itwastoeverybody，"agreedParker。"Howaboutyoursister，MissBarbara;didsherecognizehim？"
　　"No。"faintly。
　　Parkershowedhisdisappointment;hewasnotelicitingmuchinformation。AbruptlyheturnedtoClymer，whoseprominentpositioninthefinancialworldmadehimafamiliarfiguretoallWashingtonians。
　　"Weren’tyoupresentinthepolicecourtonTuesdaymorningalso？"
　　Parkerasked。
　　"Yes，"Clymermodifiedthecurtmonosyllablebyadding，"IhelpedDr。StonecarryTurnbulloutoftheprisoners’cageandintotheanteroom。"
　　"Anddidyourecognizeyourcashier？"demandedParker。AtthequestionBarbarasetdownhergobletofwaterwithoutcareforitsperishablequalityandlookedwithquickintentnessatthebanker。
　　"IrecognizedMr。Turnbullwhenhiswigwasremoved，"answeredClymer，raisinghisheadintimetocatchBarbara’seyesgazingsteadfastlyathim。Withafaintflushsheturnedherattentiontothereporter。
　　"Mr。Turnbull’smake—upmusthavebeensuperfine，"Parkerremarked。
　　"Justonemorequestion。CanyoutellmeifMr。PhilipRochesterrecognizedhisroom—matewhenhewasdefendinghimincourt？"
　　"No，Icannot，"andobservingParker’sblankexpression，sheadded，"whydon’tyouaskMr。Rochester？"
　　"BecauseIcan’tlocatehim;heseemstohavevanishedoffthefaceoftheglobe。"Thereporterrose。"Youcan’ttellmewhere’she’sgone，Isuppose？"
　　"Ihaven’tthefaintestidea，"answeredBarbaratruthfully。"Iwasathisofficethis—"shestoppedabruptlyonfindingthatMrs。
　　Brewsterwasstandingjustbehindher。Hadthewidowbychanceoverheardherremark？Ifso，herfatherwouldprobablylearnofhervisittotheofficeofRochesterandKentthatmorning。
　　"DoIunderstandthatPhilipRochesterisoutoftown？"inquiredMrs。
　　Brewster。"Why，Ihadanappointmentwithhimto—morrow。"
　　"He’sgoneandleftnoaddressthatIcanfind，"explainedParker。
　　"Thankyou，MissMcIntyre;goodevening，"andthebusyreporterhurriedaway。
　　TherewasacuriousexpressioninMrs。Brewster’seyes，butshedroppedhergazeonherfingerbowltooquicklyforClymertoanalyzeitsmeaning。
　　"WhatcanhavetakenMr。Rochesteroutoftown？"sheasked。Thequestionwasnotaddressedtoanyoneinparticular，butColonelMcIntyreansweredit，ashedidmostofthewidow’sremarks。
　　"DryWashington，"heexplained。"Itisn’tthefirsttripPhiliphasmadetoBaltimoresincethe’dry’lawhasbeeninforce，eh，Clymer？"
　　"No，anditwon’tbehislast，"wasthebanker’sresponse。"What’sthematter，MissMcIntyre？"asBarbarapushedbackherchair。
　　"Ifeelalittlefaint，"shestammered。"Theairhereis—isstifling。Ifyoudon’tmind，father，I’lltakethecaranddrivehome。"
　　"I’llcomewithyou，"announcedMrs。Brewster，risinghurriedly;
　　andassheturnedsolicitouslytoaidBarbarashecaughtColonelMcIntyre’sadmiringglanceandhiswhisperedthanks。
　　OutsidethecafClymerdiscoveredthattheMcIntyrelimousinewasnottobefound，and，cautioningBarbaraandthewidowtoremainwheretheywere，hewentbackintothecafinsearchofColonelMcIntyre，whohadstayedbehindtopayhisbill。
　　Asuddenexodusfromthecafasotherdinerscameouttogettheircars，separatedBarbarafromMrs。Brewsterjustastheformercaughtsightofherfather’slimousinecomingaroundMcPhersonSquare。Notwaitingtoseewhathadbecomeofhercompanion，Barbarastartedupthesidewalkintentoncatchingtheirchauffeur’sattention。Asshestoodbythecurb，afigurebrushedbyherandapaperwasdeftlyslippedinsideherhand。
　　Barbarawheeledaboutabruptly。Shestoodalone，exceptforseveralelaboratelydressedwomenandtheircompanionssomeyardsawaywhowereindulginginnoisytalkastheyhurriedalong。AtthatmomenttheMcIntyrelimousinestoppedatthecurbandthechauffeuropenedthedoor。
　　"Takemehome，Harris，"sheordered。"AndthencomebackforMrs。
　　Brewsterandfather。Idon’tfeelwell—hurry。"
　　"Verygood，miss，"andtouchinghiscapthechauffeurswunghiscarupFifteenthStreet。
　　ThelimousinehadturnedintoMassachusettsAvenuebeforeBarbaraswitchedontheelectriclampinthecarandopenedthenotesomysteriouslygiventoher。ShereadfeverishlythefewlinesitcontainedDearHelen：
　　Thecoronerwillcallaninquest。Secreteletter"B。"
　　ThenotewasunsignedbutitwasinthehandwritingofPhilipRochester。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　THEREDSEAL
　　Thegloomymorning，withleadenskiesandintermittentrain，reflectedHarryKent’sstateofmind。HecouldnotfixhisattentiononthebusinessletterswhichSylvesterplacedbeforehim;
　　instead，histhoughtsrevertedtothesceneinRochester’sandTurnbull’sapartmentthenightbefore，theelusivevisitorhehadfoundthereonhisarrival，hisinterviewwithDetectiveFerguson，andaboveallthehandkerchief，saturatedwithamylnitrite，andbearingthesmallembroideredletter"B"—theinitial，insignificantinsize，butfraughtwithdirepossibilitiesif，asFergusonhinted，Turnbullhadbeenputtodeathbyanover—doseofthedrug。"B"
　　—Barbara;Barbara—"B"—hismindrangthechanges;pshaw！othernamesthanBarbarabeganwith"B。"
　　"ShallItranscribeyournotes，Mr。Kent？"askedSylvester，andKentawakenedfromhisreverie，discoveredthathehadscrawledthenameBarbaraandcapital"Bs"onthewritingpad。Hetoreoffthesheetandcrumpleditintoasmallball。"No，mynotesareunimportant"
　　Kentunlockedhisdeskandtooksomemanuscriptfromoneofthedrawers。"Makefourcopiesofthisbrief，thencalluptheprinterandaskhowsoonhewillcompletetheworkonhand。HasMr。Clymertelephoned？
　　"Notthismorning。"Sylvesterrose，papersinhand。"TherehasbeenaMr。ParkerofthePostwhotelephonesregularlyonceanhourtoaskforMr。Rochester’saddressandwhenheisexpectedattheoffice。"
　　HepausedandlookedinquiringlyatKent。"WhatshallIsaythenexttimehecalls？"
　　"Switchhimonmyphone，"briefly。"Thatisallnow，Sylvester。
　　Imustbeincourtbynoon，sohavethebriefcopiedbyeleven。"
　　"Yes，sir，"andSylvesterdeparted，onlytoreturnasecondlater。
　　"MissMcIntyretoseeyou，"heannounced，andstoodasidetoallowthegirltoenter。
　　ItwasthefirsttimeKenthadseenHelensincethetragedyofTuesday，andasheadvancedtogreetherhenotedwithconcernherairofdistressandthetroubledlookinhereyes。Hercomposedmannerwasobviouslyonlymaintainedbytheexertionofself—control，forthehandsheofferedhimwasunsteady。
　　"Youaresokind，"shemurmuredasheplacedachairforher。"Babstoldmeyouhavepromisedyouraid，andsoIhavecome—"shepressedonehandtohersideasifshefoundbreathingdifficultandKent，reachingforhispitcheroficewaterwhichstoodnearathand，filledatumblerandgaveittoher。
　　"Takealittle，"hecoaxedasshemovedasiftorefusetheglass。
　　"Whydidn’tyoutelephoneandIwouldhavecalledonyou;infact，Iplannedtoruninandseeyouthisafternoon。
　　"Itiswisertohaveourtalkhere，"shereplied。Settingdowntheemptyglassshegazedabouttheofficeandherfacebrightenedatsightofasafestandinginonecorner。"IsthatyoursorPhilip’s？"
　　sheasked，pointingtoit。
　　"Thesafe？Oh，it’sforourjointuse，ownedbythefirm，youknow，"
　　explainedKent，somewhatpuzzledbyhereagerness。
　　"Doyoukeepyourprivatepapersthere，aswellasthefirm’s？"’
　　"Oh，yes;PhiliphasretainedonesectionandItheother。"Kentwalkedoverandthrewopenthemassivedoorwhichhehadunlockedonenteringtheofficeandleftajar。"Wouldyouliketoseethearrangementsofthecompartments？"
　　WithoutansweringHelencrossedtheroomandstoodbyhisside。
　　"WhichisPhilip’ssection？"sheasked。
　　"This，"andKenttouchedthesideofthesafe。
　　Helenturnedaroundandinspectedtheoffice;theouterdoorthroughwhichshehadenteredwasclosed，aswerealsotheprivatedoorleadingdirectlyintotheoutsidecorridor，andtheoneopeningintothecloset。Convincedthattheywerereallyalone，shetookfromherleatherhand—bagawhiteenvelopeandhandedittoKent。
　　"PleaseputthisinPhilip’scompartment，"shesaid，andashehesitated，sheaddedpleadingly，"Pleasedoit，Harry，andasknoquestions。"
　　Kentlookedatherwonderingly;thegirlwasobviouslylaboringunderintenseexcitementofsomesort，whichmightatanymomentbreakintohysteria。Bottlinguphiscuriosity，hestoopeddowninfrontofthesafe。
　　"CertainlyIwillputtheenvelopeawayforyou，"heagreedcheerily。
　　"Wait，though，ImustfindifPhilipleftthekeyofthecompartmentonhisbunch。"Hetookfromhispocketthekeyshehadfoundsousefulthenightbefore，andselectedonethatresembledthekeytohisowncompartment，andinserteditinthelock。Tohissurprisehediscoveredthecompartmentwasalreadyunlocked。Withoutcommenthepulledopentheinsidedrawerandstartedtolaythewhiteenvelopeontopofthepapersalreadythere，whenhehesitated。
　　"Theenvelopeisunaddressed，Helen，"heremarked，extendingittowardher。Shewaveditback。
　　"Itissealedwithredwax，"shestated。"Thatisallthatisnecessaryforidentification。"
　　Kentturnedovertheenvelope—theflapwashelddownsecurelywithalargeredsealwhichboretheoneletter"B。"Hedroppedtheenvelopeinsidethedrawer，lockedthecompartment，andclosedthedoorofthesafe。
　　"Letustalk，"hesuggestedandledthewaybacktotheirchairs。
　　"Helen，"hebegan，aftershewasseated。"ThereisnothingIwillnotdoforyoursisterBarbara，"hismannergrewearnest。"I—"heflushed;baringhisfeelingstoanother，nomatterhowsympatheticthatotherwas，wasforeigntohisreservednature。"Iloveherbeyondwordstoexpress。Itellyouthisto—to—gainyourtrust。"
　　"Youalreadyhaveit，Harry！"ImpulsivelyHelenextendedherhand，andhehelditinafirmclaspforasecond。"BabsandIhavecomeatoncetoyouinourtrouble。"
　　"Yes，butyouhaveonlyhintedwhatthattrouble，was，"heremindedhergently。"Icannotreallyaidyouuntilyougivemeyourfullconfidence。"
　　Helenlookedawayfromhimandoutofthewindow。Therelief，whichhadlightedherfaceamomentbefore，hadvanished。Itwassomeminutesbeforesheanswered。
　　"BabstoldyouthatIsuspectedJimmiedidnotdiefromanginapectoris—"Shespokewithaneffort。
　　"Yes。"
　　Shewaitedasecondbeforecontinuingherremarks。"Ihaveaskedthecoronertomakeaninvestigation。"Shepausedagain，thenaddedwithmoreanimation，"Heistheonetotellusifacrimehasbeencommitted。"
　　"Hecantellifdeathhasbeenacceleratedbyaweapon，oradrug，"
　　respondedKent;hewasweighinghiswordscarefullysothatshemightunderstandhimfully。"Buttoconstituteacrime，ithastobeprovedfirst，thattheacthasbeencommitted，andsecond，thataguiltymindormalicepromptedit。CanyoufurnishaclewtoestablisheitherofthelastmentionedfactsinconnectionwithJimmie’sdeath？"
　　Kentwonderedifshehadheardhim，shewassolonginreplying，andhewasabouttorepeathisquestionwhensheaddressedhim。
　　"HaveyouheardfromCoronerPenfield？"
　　"No。Itriedseveraltimestogethimonthetelephone，butwithoutsuccess，"repliedKent;hisdisappointmentatnotreceivingananswertohisquestionshowedinhismanner。"IwenttoPenfield’shouselastnight，buthehadbeencalledawayonacaseand，althoughIwaiteduntilnearlyteno’clock，hehadnotreturnedwhenIleft。Haveyouhadwordfromhim？"
　　"Not—notdirectly。"Shehadbeennervouslytwistingherhandkerchiefaboutinherfingers;suddenlysheturnedandlookedfullatKent，hereyesburningfeverishly。"IwouldgiveallI
　　possess，myhopeoffuturehappinesseven，ifIcouldprovethatJimmiediedfromanginapectoris。"
　　Kentlookedatherinmingledsympathyanddoubt。—Whatdidherwordsimply—furthertragedy？
　　"Jimmiemightnothavediedfromanginapectoris，"hesaid，"andstillnothavebeenpoisoned—"
　　"Youmean—"
　　"Suicide。"
　　SlowlyHelentookinhismeaning，butshevolunteerednoremark，andKentafterapause，added，"WhileIhavenotseenCoronerPenfieldIdidhearlastnightwhatkilledJimmie。"Helenstraightenedup，onehandpressedtoherheart。"Itwasalethaldoseofamylnitrite。"
　　"Amylnitrite，"sherepeated。"Yes，Ihaveheardthatitisgivenforhearttrouble。How"—shelookedathimqueerly。"Howisitadministered？"
　　"Bycrushingacapsuleinahandkerchiefandinhalingitsfumes"
　　—hewaswatchingherclosely。"ThehandkerchiefJimmiewasseentousejustbeforehediedwasfoundtocontaintwoormorebrokencapsules。"
　　Helensatimmovableforoveraminute，thenshebowedherheadandburstintodrytearlesssobswhichwrackedherbody。Kentlaidatenderhandonhershoulder，thenconcludingitwasbetterforhertohavehercryout，hewanderedaimlesslyabouttheofficewaitingforhertoregainhercomposure。
　　HestoppedbeforeoneofthewindowsfacingsouthandstaredmoodilyattheBelascoTheater。Thatplayhousehadsurelyneverstagedamorecomplicatedmysterythantheonehehadsethimselftounravel。
　　WhatconsolationcouldheofferHelen？IfheencouragedherbeliefinhistheorythatJimmiecommittedsuicidehewouldhavetoestablishamotiveforsuicide，andthatmotivemightprovetobethetheftofColonelMcIntyre’svaluablesecurities。Threatenedwithexposureasathiefandforger，Jimmiehadcommittedsuicide，sowouldruntheverdict;thefactofhissuicidewasproofofhisguiltofthecrimeColonelMcIntyrevirtuallychargedhimwith，andviceversa。
　　Whathadbeendiscoveredtopointtomurder？Thefindingofahandkerchief，saturatedwithamylnitrite，whichhadnotbelongedtothedeadman。Proof—bah！itwasridiculous！WhatmorelikelythanthatJimmie，whileintheMcIntyrehousebeforehisarrestasaburglar，hadpickeduponeofBarbara’shandkerchiefs，stuffeditinsidehispocket，andwhenthreatenedwithexposureonbeingheldforthegrandjury，had，indesperation，crushedtheamylnitritecapsulesinBarbara’shandkerchiefandkilledhimself。
　　Kentdrewalong，longsigh。HisfaithinJimmie’shonestywasshakenatlastbytheaccumulativeevidence，andhewasconvincedthathehadfoundthesolutiontotheproblem，buthowimpartittotheweepinggirl？Toproveherloverathief，forger，andsuicidewasindeedataskheshrankfrom。
　　AringatthetelephonecausedKenttomovehastilytotheinstrument;whenhehungupthereceiverHelenwasadjustingherveilbeforeamirroroverthemantel。
　　"ColonelMcIntyreisinthenextroom，"hesaid，keepinghisvoicelowered。
　　"Myfather！"Helen’seyeswerehardanddry。"DoesheknowthatIamhere？"
　　"Idon’tknow;Sylvestersimplysaidhehadcalledtoseemeandiswaitingintheouteroffice。"Observingherindecision，Kentopenedthedoorleadingdirectlyintothecorridor。"YoucanleavethiswaywithoutencounteringColonelMcIntyre。"
　　HelenhurriedthroughthedoorandpausedinthecorridortowhisperfeverishlyinKent’sear，"PromisemeyouwillremainfaithfultoBarbarawhateverdevelops。"
　　"Iwill！"Kent’spledgerangoutclearly，andHelenwithalighterheartturnedtowalkawaywhenatelegraphboyappearedaroundthecornerofthecorridorandthrustayellowenvelopeatKent，whostoodhalfinsidehisofficewatchingHelen。
　　"Signhere，"theboysaid，indicatingthelineonthereceiptslip，andgettingitback，departed。
　　MotioningtoHelentowait，Kenttoreopenthetelegram。ItwasfromClevelandanddatedthenightbefore。Themessageran：
　　CalledtoCleveland。AddressCityClub。Rochester。
　　WithoutcommentKentheldoutthetelegramsothatHelencouldreadit。
　　"What！"sheexclaimed。"PhilipinClevelandlastnight。I—I
　　—don’tunderstand。"AndlookingatherKentwasastoundedattheflashofterrorwhichshoneforaninstantinhereyes。Beforehehadtimetoquestionhersheboltedaroundthecorridor。
　　Kentremainedstaringaheadforaninstantthenreturnedthoughtfullytohisoffice，andwithinasecondSylvesterreceivedatelephonemessagetoshowColonelMcIntyreintoKent’soffice。NotonlyColonelMcIntyrefollowedtheclerkintotheroombutBenjaminClymer。"Anyfurtherdevelopments，Kent？"inquiredthebanker。
　　"No，wecan’tsitdown;justdroppedintoseeyouaminute。"
　　"Thereisnothingnew，"Kenthadmadeinstantdecision;suchinformationregardingthedeathofTurnbullashehadgleanedfromFerguson，andtheeventsofthenightbeforeshouldbeconfidedtoClymeralone，andnotinthepresenceofColonelMcIntyre。
　　"DidyousearchTurnbull’sapartmentlastnightasyouspokeofdoing？"askedMcIntyre。
　　"Idid，andfoundnotraceofyoursecurities，Colonel。"
　　McIntyreliftedhiseyebrowsashesmiledsarcastically。"CanI
　　seeRochester？"heasked。
　　"HeisinCleveland;Idon’tknowjustwhenhewillbeback。"
　　"Indeed？Toobadyouhaven’tthebenefitofhisadvice，"remarkedMcIntyreinsolently。"AtClymer’srequest，Kent，IhaveallowedyouuntilSaturdaynighttofindthesecuritiesandeitherclearTurnbull’snameoradmithisguilt;thereremaintwodaysandahalfbeforeItaketheaffairinmyownhandsandmakeitpublic。"
　　"IhopetoestablishTurnbull’sinnocencebeforethattime，"retortedKentcoolly。
　　Inwardlyhisspiritssank;hadnoteveryeffortonhispartbroughtbutfurtherproofofJimmie’sguilt？ThatMcIntyrewouldmakenoattempttohushupthescandalwasobvious。
　　"Keepmeinformedofyourprogress，"McIntyre’smannerwasdomineeringandKentfeltthebloodmounttohistemples，buthewasdeterminednottolosehistemperwhatevertheprovocation;
　　McIntyrewasBarbara’sfather。
　　Clymer，awarethattheatmospherewasgettingstrained，diplomaticallyintervened。
　　"Dinewithmeto—night，Kent，"hesaid。"Perhapsyouwillthenhavesomenewsthatwillthrowlightonthepresentwhereaboutsofthesecurities。Ifound，onmakinginquiries，thattheyhavenotbeenofferedforsaleintheusualchannels。Come，McIntyre，I
　　haveadirectors’meetingintwentyminutes。"
　　McIntyre，whohadbeenswinginghiswalkingstickfromonehandtotheotherinmarkedimpatience，turnedtoKent，hismannermoreconciliatory。
　　"Pleasantquartersyouhave，"heremarked。"DoesRochestersharehisroomwithyou？"
　　"No，Colonel，hisisacrosstheante—roomwhereyouwaitedafewminutesago，"explainedKentasheaccompaniedhisvisitorstothedoor。"Thisismyoffice。"
　　"Ah，yes，Ithoughtasmuchonseeingonlyonedesk，"McIntyre’smannergrewmorecordial。"DoesRochester’sfurnitureduplicateyours，safeandall？"
　　"Safe—no，hehasnone;thatisthefirm’ssafe。"Kentwasbecomingrestlessundersomanypersonalquestions。"Good—by，Mr。
　　Clymer。"
　　"Don’tforgetto—nightateight，"thebankerremindedhimbeforesteppingintothecorridor。"We’lldineattheClubdeVingt。
　　Comealong，McIntyre。"
　　SylvesterstoppedKentonhiswaybacktohisofficeandhandedhimtheneatlytypewrittencopiesofhisbrief，andwithawordofthanksthelawyerwentovertohisdeskand，gatheringsuchpapersasherequiredatthecourthouse，hethrustthemandthebriefintohisleatherbag，butinsteadofhurryingonhisway，hestoodstilltoconsidertheeventsofthemorning。
　　HelenMcIntyre，duringtheirinterview，hadnotrespondedtohisappealforherconfidence，norvouchsafedanyreasonforherbeliefthatJimmieTurnbullhadbeenthevictimoffoulplay。AndColonelMcIntyrehadgivenhimonlyuntilSaturdaynighttosolvetheproblem！Kent’soverwroughtfeelingsfoundventinanemphaticoath。
　　"Excuseme，"exclaimedSylvestermildlyfromthedoorway。"Iknockedandunderstoodyoutosaycomein。
　　"Well，whatisit？"Kent’snervesweregettingabitraw;aglanceathiswatchshowedhimhehadaslendermarginonlyinwhichtoreachthecourthouseintimeforhisappointment。Notevenwaitingfortheclerk’sreplyhesnatcheduphisbriefcaseandmadefortheprivatedoorleadingintothecorridor。Buthewasdestinednottogetawaywithoutanotherinterruption。
　　AsSylvesterwashastilyexplaining，"Twogentlementoseeyou，Mr。
　　Kent，"theclerkwasthrustasideandDetectiveFergusonentered，accompaniedbyadeputymarshal。
　　"Sorrytodetainyou，Mr。Kent，"exclaimedthedetective。"IcametotellyouthatCoronerPenfieldhasjustcalledaninquestforthisafternoontoinquireintoJimmieTurnbull’sdeath。Where’syourpartner，Mr。Rochester？"lookingaroundinquiringly。
　　"InCleveland。Won’tIdo？"repliedKent，hisappointmentforgotteninthenewsthatFergusonhadjustgivenhim。
　　"No，wedidn’tcomeforlegaladvice，"Fergusonsmiled;thengrewserious。"What’sMr。Rochester’saddress？"
　　Kentwalkedovertohisdeskandpickedupthetelegram。"TheCityClub，Cleveland，"hestated。
　　"Thanks，"Fergusonjotteddowntheaddressinhisnote—book。
　　"Jones，here，"placinghishandonhiscompanion，"cametoserveMr。Rochesterwithasubpoena;he’swantedattheTurnbullinquestasamaterialwitness。"