"Is it because of something you knew about him before to-night?"

He made no answer.

"Or because he was seen, like many other gentlemen, talking with
that woman some time before--a long time before--she was attacked
for her diamond and murdered?"

"Pardon me, my dear, he was the last one seen talking to her.
Some one may yet be found who went in after he came out, but as
yet he is considered the last. Mr. Ramsdell himself told me so."

"It makes no difference," I exclaimed, in all the heat of my
long-suppressed agitation. "I am willing to stake my life on his
integrity and honor. No man could talk to me as he did early this
evening with any vile intentions at heart. He was interested, no
doubt, like many others, in one who had the name of being a
captivating woman, but--"

I paused in sudden alarm. A look had crossed my uncle's face
which assured me that we were no longer alone. Who could have
entered so silently? In some trepidation I turned to see. A
gentleman was standing in the doorway, who smiled as I met his
eye.

"Is this Miss Van Arsdale?" he asked.

Instantly my courage, which had threatened to leave me, returned
and I smiled.