You must realise how very serious your position is." He saw her lips close tightly and she shook her head.
"I have nothing to say," she said with a catch of her breath.

"If--if you think I have----" She stopped dead.
"Finish your sentence," said Tarling sternly.

"If I think you have committed this crime ?" She nodded.
He put away his notebook before he spoke again, and, leaning over the bed, took her hand.
"Miss Rider, I want to help you," he said earnestly, "and I can help you best if you're frank with me.

I tell you I do not believe that you committed this act.

I tell you now that though all the circumstances point to your guilt, I have absolute confidence that you can produce an answer to the charge." For a moment her eyes filled with tears, but she bit her lip and smiled bravely into his face.
"That is good and sweet of you, Mr.Tarling, and I do appreciate your kindness.