Cuthbert
said gravely.
"Why not? Why shirk them? My father's death was a serious thing,
wasn't it? I want an account of it from the only man who can
render it."
"When you disclose yourself to Mr. Trent I should say that he would
willingly give you - "
She interrupted him, coming over and standing before him, leaning
against his table, and looking him in the face.
"You don't understand. I am not going to disclose myself! You will
reply to Mr. Trent that the daughter of his old partner is not in
need of charity, however magnificently tendered. You understand?"
"I understand, Miss Wendermott."
"As to her name or whereabouts you are not at liberty to disclose
them. You can let him think, if you will, that she is tarred with
the same brush as those infamous and hypocritical relatives of hers
who sent her father out to die."
Mr. Cuthbert shook his head.
"I think, young lady, if you will allow me to say so that you are
making a needless mystery of the matter, and further, that you are
embarking upon what will certainly prove to be a wild-goose chase.
We had news of your father not long before his sad death, and he
was certainly in ill-health."
She set her lips firmly together, and there was a look in her face
which alone was quite sufficient to deter Mr.
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