Page:Watts Mumford--Whitewash.djvu/216

 "No," she cried, "you come most opportunely. You may clear up matters. Miss Ford, or some one else, has accused me of Heaven knows what kind of a love-affair in Paris—and with you! Do you dare to make such a statement?"

"I understand," Valdeck answered, after a moment's hesitation, "that you have made the statement that I was wanted for—Heaven knows what crime in France. I have to thank you. I think, for an investigation of my effects recently made, and the espionage of the police—the stories balance each other."

Victoria's jaw fell. "Do you mean—" "One story is as true as the other," he answered, lightly.

"What I said was true!" she broke in, hotly. "I will swear to it!"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Then you cannot expect me to deny. But I fear it will require more than your testimony, Miss Claudel—"

A sudden cessation of Philippa's tears, and a quick exclamation from Morton broke in on them.

"She's dying!—quick, quick—water—a doctor!" Then turning savagely on Victoria and 206