ing his voice slightly.

She had risen and now stood leaning against the arm of his chair.

"Marsh, he didn't kill McBride; he couldn't,--he wouldn't harm a mouse!"

Her words set him raging.

"Keep quiet, will you,--what do you know about it, anyhow?" he cried
with sullen ferocity.

"Don't be rude, Marsh! So you don't want me to come to the trial,--you
tell me I can't?"

"Did my father say anything about this matter,--the trial, I mean?"
asked Langham haltingly.

"Yes, I think he spoke of it, but I really wasn't interested because you
see I am so sure John North is innocent!"

He caught one of her hands in his and drew her down on the arm of his
chair where he could look into her eyes.

"There is just one question I want to ask you, Evelyn, but I expect
you'll answer it as you choose," he said, with his face close to hers.

"Then why ask it?" she said.

"Why,--because I want to know. Where were you on the day of the
murder,--between five and six o'clock?"

"I _wish_ you'd let me go, Marsh; you're hurting me--" she complained.

She struggled for a moment to release herself from his grasp, then
realizing that her effort was of no avail, she quietly resumed her
former position on the arm of his chair.

"You must answer my question, come--where were you?" Langham commanded.

He brought his face close to hers and she saw that his eyes burnt with
an unhealthy light.

"How silly of you, Marsh, you know it was Thanksgiving day,--that we
dined with your father."

"I am not asking you about that,--that was later!"

"I suppose I was on my way there at the hour you mention."

"No, you weren't; you were in North's rooms!"

"If you were not drunk, I should be angry with you, Marsh,--you are
insulting--"

He quitted his hold on her and staggered to his feet.

"You were with North--" he roared.

"Do you want the servants to hear you?" she asked in an angry whisper.

"Hell!"

He made a step toward her, his hand raised.

"Don't do that, Marsh. I should never forgive you!"

Evelyn faced him, meeting his wild glance with unshaken composure. The
clenched hand fell at his side.

"My God, I ought to kill you!" he muttered.

She made him no answer, but kept her eyes fixed steadily on his face.

"You _were_ with North!" Langham repeated.

"Well, since you wish me to say it, I was with John North, but what of
that?"

"In his rooms--" he jerked out.

"No,--now you are asking too much of me!"

"I have