Had a bombshell dropped in their midst the two others could not have been more startled than by Robert's chance observation.
"Good Heavens!" cried Hume, "why has Capella gone to Italy ?" "That question may soon be answered," said Brett.
"Was that one of the other reasons you hinted at in the library when telling us why you did not volunteer evidence at the trial ?" he asked Robert.
"It was.

The cat is out of the bag now.

I did not know where the affair might end, so I held my tongue.

It also accounts for my unwillingness to meet Capella.

I am very fond of Margaret.