\"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。\"