I think I am on the track of a confidante of--of--that woman." A quick shadow passed over Mrs.Tucker's face.

"Indeed!" she said coldly.

"Then I am to believe that you prefer to spend your leisure moments in looking after that creature to calling here ?" Poindexter was stupefied.

Was this the woman who only four months ago was almost vindictively eager to pursue her husband's paramour! There could be but one answer to it--Don Jose! Four months ago he would have smiled compassionately at it from his cynical pre-eminence.

Now he managed with difficulty to stifle the bitterness of his reply.
"If you do not wish the inquiry carried on," he began, "of course--" "I?
What does it matter to me ?" she said coolly.