Major Kent may be right or wrong. But there's no use his
disputing with me. He wouldn't be in a bit better position if I had
turned round and gone home."
"I suppose not."
"So we may rule that explanation out of court. And yet the man must
have had a motive of some sort. No one would take all the trouble that
he has taken unless he saw his way to gain something by it." The judge
paused again, thinking deeply. Then he smiled suddenly. "Look here,
Milly. You don't mind my asking you rather a personal question, do
you?"
"Not a bit. My conscience is quite easy. I didn't bribe the cook to
put paraffin oil in your dinner, and I should never have thought of
pouring Condy's Fluid over your bed."
"Has that curate, Meldon, I mean--"
"He's not a curate," said Miss King. "He's a vicar at least."
"I shouldn't wonder if he turned out to be an archdeacon. But has he--
It's rather an awkward question to ask; but you're not a child, Milly.
You know that you're a very attractive young woman, and you have what
would seem to some people quite a good fortune, besides what you earn
by your writing. Has this man been trying to make love to you?"
Miss King laughed aloud.
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