Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/53

 "Will you hear me?" he asked.

"Certainly!" she answered, turning on him her big brown eyes. In their depths he might have seen a sudden dangerous light, had he been less absorbed in himself. As it was he only saw a smile lurking about the corners of her lips which irritated him the more.

"I understand that John Graham called on you last night?"

"Indeed, I hadn't heard it," she answered lightly.

"And stayed until after midnight."

Stella sprang to her feet, looked steadily at Steve, frowned, walked to the door and called:

"Maggie!"

The black face appeared instantly.

"Yassum!" she answered, with eager innocence.

"Have you said anything about Mr. Graham's visit last night?"

Maggie walled her eyes in amazement at such an outrageous suspicion.

"No, M'am! I aint open my mouf—has! Mister Steve?"

"Certainly not," Steve answered curtly.

"I thought I heard your voice in the hall," Stella continued, looking sternly at Maggie.

"Nobum! Twan't me. I nebber stop er second.