rned Chloe steadily, "and I made it my
business to find out for you. Well, like the other explanation, it is
very simple. While I was away"--in her new-born happiness Chloe would
not distress her husband by speaking more plainly--"Tochatti took Cherry
down to my old home, where my mother still lives, and of course it was
only natural that she should there hear some version of the story as it
affected my brother Bruce. She acknowledges she would never have
connected you with the affair save for the unlucky fact that on the
night you and Bruce met here he came to my room afterwards to tell me
how and in what circumstances you had met before; and most unfortunately
Tochatti, who was in an adjoining room, heard his explanation. She
didn't think much of it at the time, but stored it up in her mind; and
when, later, she wished to injure you, there was the means ready to
hand."

"Like the proverbial Corsican who will carry a stone in his pocket for
seven years, turn it, and carry it for another seven on the chance of
being able to sling it at his enemy in the end," commented Carstairs.
"Well, thank God, the whole story is cleared up now; and the next thing
to do is to set about making the matter public and seeing justice done
at last."

"Quite so--and it should be easy now," concurred Anstice heartily. "With
the letter you hold as evidence and the woman's full confession you
should not have much trouble with the case."

Looking at Chloe as he spoke he saw a strange expression flit across her
face. The next instant she rose and going across to her husband's chair
stood looking down upon him with unfathomable blue eyes.

"Leo"--her voice was very low--"is it really necessary that the matter
should be made public? So long as you know the truth--and Dr.
Anstice--and my dear friends Sir Richard and Iris, can't we let the
subject drop? You know I don't care in the least for the opinion of the
world, and it would mean so much trouble, so much raking up of things
best forgotten. Couldn't we"--she hesitated--"couldn't we leave things
alone, and just be thankful that _we_ know the truth at last?"

Major Carstairs looked up at his wife as she stood before him; and his
voice was very gentle as he answered her.

"But, Chloe, what of Tochatti herself? She must not be allowed to go
unpunished. Besides, there is another aspect of the case. You know these
abominable letters have been scattered broadcast in the land, and it is
only fair