"So both men assured me."

"And this one named Neale--are you certain he is an administrator?"

"Yes, I was shown a certified copy of the will; everything seemed to be
exactly as represented."

She pressed one hand to her forehead, her eyes on the ground. I
watched her, an unasked question trembling on my lips. Suddenly she
looked up again, her cheeks flushed.

"You were going to suggest that I go with you, were you not?" she asked
swiftly. "That I play the wife's part? Why did n't you ask it?"

"Because I lacked courage," I replied frankly, yet leaning eagerly
toward her. "I was afraid you would take such a proposition wrongly."

"Then you retain some respect for me; some faith in my character?"

"I certainly do," earnestly.

"And you see nothing wrong in carrying out your part? You mean to go
to Carrollton with someone--a woman?"

"I--I agreed to the terms--yes."

She drew a long breath, her eyes upon mine.

"Then I will go also," she said soberly, and held out her hand.