Hazen, however, must have noted his first look, for he added with an air of haughty apology: "I repeat that we were once very fond of each other." Ransom felt his perplexities growing with every moment he talked with this man.

He remembered the money which both he and Gerridge had seen in her bag,--an amount too large for her to have retained very much on her person,--and following the instinct of the moment, he remarked: "Mrs.Ransom is not the woman to hesitate when a person she loves makes an appeal for money.

She handed you immediately a large sum, I have no doubt." "She wrote me out a check," was the simple but cold answer.
Mr.Ransom felt the failure of his attempt and stole a glance at Gerridge.
The doubtful smile he received was not very encouraging.

The same thought had evidently struck both.

The money in the bag was a blind--she had carried her check-book with her and so could draw on her account for whatever she wished.