"But perhaps that is exactly what she does want. Remember that she has been married before, with somewhat bitter experience. She probably believes that a husband and wife should have no secrets from each other. Above all else, there should be no cloud between them as to bygone events. Mrs. Hillmer is highly sensitive. If she imagined you were under any misapprehension as to the circumstances under which Sir Charles and Lady Dyke met their deaths--do not forget that you were personally mixed up in the affair--she would neither entertain your proposal nor explain her motives. She would just do as you say--run away and cry." "Well, now, that beats everything," said Corbett admiringly. "That never struck me before." "It is the probable explanation of her attitude, nevertheless." "Then what am I to do?" "Write to her. Ask her permission to learn the facts from me. Tell her you believe you understand the reasons for her reticence, and that your only excuse for the request is that you want to go to her on an equal plane of absolute confidence. It seems to me--" "That I'd better get quick and do it," shouted Corbett, vanishing with the utmost celerity. Bruce still occupied his old chambers in Victoria Street. He did not expect to see Corbett again for a couple of days. To the barrister's utter amazement he returned within ten minutes. "Fire away!" he cried excitedly. "You struck it first time. I just rang her up--" "Rang her up?" "Yes; she's staying at the Savoy for a few days, so I telephoned from the Windsor. I could never fix up a letter in your words, you know. But switch me on the end of a wire and I know where I am." "What on earth did you say?" "As soon as I got her in the box at the other end, I said, 'Is that you, Gwen?' 'Yes,' said she. 'Well,' said I, 'I guess you know who's talking?' 'Quite well,' said she. 'Then,' said I, 'I've just been telling Mr. Bruce I wanted to marry you, and that you wouldn't even discuss the proposition. He said you probably wished me to know the whole story of Sir Charles Dyke, but felt kinder shy of telling me yourself. He will get it off his chest if you give him permission, and then I can come along in a hansom and fix things. What do you say?' There was no answer, so I shouted, 'Are you there?' and she said, 'Yes,' faint-like. 'Don't let me hurry you,' said I, 'but if you agree straight-away I can catch Bruce at home, for I've just left him.' With that she said, 'Very well. You can see Mr. Bruce.' And here I am." "Having accomplished the whole thing satisfactorily." "As how?" "Don't you see you have proposed to the lady and practically been accepted?" "Jehosh! It does look something like it. Say, I'm off! This story of yours will keep until to-morrow." He would have gone, but Bruce jumped after him. "Not so fast, Mr. Corbett. You must not sail into the Savoy flying a false flag. Kindly oblige me with your attention for the next half-hour."