The young girl merely got in the way.

But before I enlarge upon this point," he continued in lower tones as the two officials slowly reseated themselves, "allow me to admit that any proof of correspondence between these old-time lovers would have added much to my present argument.

But while I have no doubt that such an interchange of letters took place, and that in all probability some one or more of them still exist, Mrs.
Taylor's illness and Mr.Roberts' high position prevent any substantiation of the same on our part.

I must therefore ask you to assume that it was in obedience to some definite agreement between them that she came to the museum on that fatal morning and made her appearance in that especial section of the gallery marked II.

If this strikes you as inconceivable and too presumptuous for belief, you must at least concede that we have ample proof of his entire readiness for her coming.