I can show her no greater kindness, and I am not afraid of the result.

I have perfect confidence in her integrity"-- he hesitated, then added with strong conviction--"and in her love." The detective hid his surprise.

He could not understand this confidence.
But then he knew nothing of the memories which lay back of it.

Not to him could this grievously humiliated and disappointed man reveal the secrets of a courtship which had fixed his heart on this one woman, and aroused in him such trust that even this uncalled-for outrage to his pride and affection had not been able to shake it.

Such secrets are sacred; but the reflection of his trust was strong on his face as he repeated: "Perfect confidence, Mr.Gerridge.Whatever may have drawn Mrs.Ransom from my side, it was not lack of affection, or any doubt of my sincerity or undivided attachment to herself." The detective may not have been entirely convinced on the first point, but he was discretion itself, and responded quite cheerfully with an emphatic: "Very well.