Page:Waylaid by Wireless - Balmer - 1909.djvu/222

Rh and turned, hopelessly, to try to join in the light talk which the others almost immediately resumed. That the girl was brightest and gayest of all and was clearly covering over his stupid replies only made the endless hour worse.

But at last the English left, and Mrs. Varris went out with them to their motor.

Preston faced the girl then with the agony and sudden weakening of a snapped strain.

"You knew it was scarcely eleven when I left you at the Tudor last night!" he charged.

"Of course!"

"Of course? But you—you—"

"I told the inspector," the girl seemed to defy him, "that I could show to his satisfaction that you did not leave till after twelve. And I did!"

"Yes; but your mother—you made your mother—"

"State just what she honestly thought. Wait a moment, please," the girl stopped him as he started to protest. "I myself said only 198