But, being a masterful man, he tackled the situation boldly.
"I seized the opportunity of a friendly chat with you to-day, Doris," he went on, leaning over the fence to inhale the scent of a briar rose.

"The story runs through the village that you and your father dined at The Hollies on Friday evening.

Is that true ?" Now, Doris had it on reliable authority that Siddle himself had been the runner who spread that story, and the knowledge steeled her heart against him.
"Yes," she said composedly.
"It was kind and neighborly of you to accept the invitation, but a mistake." She turned and faced him.

His expression was baffling.

She thought she saw in his sallow, clean-cut features the shadow of a confident smile.
"You mean that this horrid murder should make some difference in the friendship between ourselves and Mr.Grant ?" she cried.
"Yes.