Page:The Other House (London, William Heinemann, 1896), Volume 2.djvu/175

Rh he perceived he must go all the way. "From the bank of the river you saw something that bears upon this"—he hesitated; then daintily selected his words—"remarkable performance. We appeal to your sense of propriety to tell us what you saw."

Dennis considered. "My sense of propriety is strong; but so—just now—is my sense of some other things. My word to Mrs. Beever was contingent. There are points I want made clear."

"I'm here," said the Doctor, "to do what I can to satisfy you. Only be go good as to remember that time is everything." He added, to drive this home, in his neat, brisk way: "Some action has to be taken."

"You mean a declaration made?"

"Under penalty," the Doctor assented, " f consequences sufficiently tremendous. There has been an accident of a gravity"

Dennis, with averted eyes, took him up. "That can't be explained away?"

The Doctor looked at his watch; then, still holding it, he quickly looked up at Dennis. "You wish her presented as dying of a natural cause?"

Vidal's haggard face turned red, but he instantly