But what proof could he hope to obtain under the circumstances in which he found himself placed?
Any appeal to Mrs.Edouard Duclos, by telephone or telegram, would certainly fail of its purpose.

Even if the neat black dress in which her sister-in-law now traveled was one from her own wardrobe, he would find it impossible to establish the fact in time to make his own decision.

The child--yes, he might worm that fact out of the child if he were where he could reach her; but he was miles away; and besides, something within him revolted from involving this child further in schemes honest enough from his standpoint, but certainly not helpful to her.

No, he would have to trust his intuition, or-- He had thrown himself into a chair at the side of his host, but he rose quickly as his musings reached this point.

The proof he had been looking for was his.