But their enthusiasm received a check when at the moment of descent Mr.Gryce again turned back with the remark: "I had forgotten.

I have something to do first.

If you will kindly see that the people down there are kept from growing too impatient, I will soon join you with Mrs.Taylor, who must not be left on this floor after we have gone below." And with no further explanation of his purpose, he turned and proceeded without delay to Room B.
IV A STRATEGIC MOVE He found the unhappy woman quite recovered from her fainting spell, but still greatly depressed and not a little incoherent.

He set himself to work to soothe her, for he had a request to make which called for an intelligent answer.

Relieved from all suspicion of her having been an active agent in the deplorable deed he was here to investigate, he was lavish in his promises of speedy release, and seeing how much this steadied her, he turned to Mr.Roberts, who was still in the room, and then to the young lady who had been giving her a woman's care, and signified that their attentions were no longer required and that he would be glad to have them join the people below.
When the door had closed and Mr.Gryce found himself for the first time alone with Mrs.Taylor, he drew up a chair to her side and remarked in his old benevolent way: "I feel guilty of cruelty, madam, in repeating a question you have already answered.