Keith, realizing the false position into which he had drifted, hesitated to answer.

He meant to tell her the whole story and urge her to cooperate with him in learning the gambler's purpose.
The woman impressed him as honest at heart, in spite of her life and environment; she was not one whom a swindler could easily dupe into becoming a tool.
"Miss Maclaire," he began, determined on his course, "listen to me for just a moment.

I am--" There was a rap at the door.

The eyes of both turned that way, and then Keith backed slowly into the darkened corner beyond the window, his right hand thrust into the pocket of his coat.

Miss Maclaire observed the movement, her lips smiling, a red flush on either cheek.