my house, I can with assurance say that it is time we quitted this
unprofitable conversation, as nothing which I have lately done, said or
thought here or elsewhere has in any way had even the remotest bearing
upon that individual; she having been a stranger to me while in my
house, and quite forgotten by me, after her unaccountable departure
hence."

Mr. Gryce's hand which had been stretched out towards the hitherto
untouched decanter before him, suddenly dropped. "You deny then," said
he, "all connection between yourself and the woman, lady or sewing-girl,
who occupied that room above our heads for eleven months previous to the
Sunday morning I first had the honor to make your acquaintance."

"I am not in the habit of repeating my assertions," said Mr. Blake with
some severity, "even when they relate to a less disagreeable matter than
the one under discussion."

Mr. Gryce bowed, and slowly reached out for his hat; I had never seen
him so disturbed. "I am sorry," he began and stopped, fingering his
hat-brim nervously. Suddenly he laid his hat back, and drew up his form
into as near a semblance of dignity as its portliness would allow.

"Mr. Blake," said he, "I have too much respect for the man I believed
you to be when I entered this house to-night, to go with the thing
unsaid which is lying at present like a dead weight upon my lips. I dare
not leave you to the consequence of my silence; for duty will compel
me to speak some day and in some presence where you may not have
the opportunity which you can have here, to explain yourself with
satisfaction. Mr. Blake I cannot believe you when you say the girl who
lived in this house was a stranger to you."

Mr. Blake drew his proud form up in a disdain that was only held in
check by the very evident honesty of the man before him. "You
are courageous at least," said he. "I regret you are not equally
discriminating." And raising Mr. Gryce's hat he placed it in his hand.

"Pardon me," said that gentleman, "I would like to justify myself before
I go. Not with words," he proceeded as the other folded his arms with a
sarcastic bow. "I am done with words; action accomplishes the rest. Mr.
Blake I believe you consider me an honest officer and a reliable man.
Will you accompany me to your private room for a moment? There is
something there which may convince you I was neither playing the fool
nor the bravado when I uttered the phrase I did an instant ago."

I expected to hear