“You know he has a young clerk and cashier in his employ, Georgie Kingsley, of whom Joe is very fond. Of late he has been led to believe the boy is getting a little wild—reports have been reaching Joe of little things, showing that Georgie is keeping bad company, and gambling. I know this has worried Joe of late.” Darrell thought something else might be giving him a nervous spell too—no man can live a double life except at a great mental strain, for the risk of sudden exposure must be terrible. “So he’s gone to try and save poor Georgie to-night, has he? Noble-hearted old Joe.” She could not help but catch something of the sneer under his words, and trembled as she realized that the detective had grave doubts. “He said he would probably go to your room and get your company.” “He changed his mind, no doubt,” muttered the detective—indignation was apt to make him tell more than discretion warranted. “What do you mean—you know something that you do not want to tell me. I insist on your speaking. Have you seen my husband?” “I believe I have.” “Where was it?” “Entering the hall where a _bal masque_ was being held—quite a large affair.” “Alone?” breathlessly. “No—with a lady. Good heavens! Mrs. Leslie, take it calmly, I beg of you!” CHAPTER VI MARIAN He need not have been so alarmed. True, the blood seemed to leave Lillian’s face, and she gasped for breath, but a moment later she appeared so calm that even the detective was amazed. His admiration increased, for he saw this woman was no pretty doll, to faint at the first breath of adversity. “Do you know this as a fact, Mr. Darrell?” she asked in steady tones. “I do not, positively, and I think we ought to give Joe the benefit of the doubt.” “I shall do more than that. Until with his own lips he acknowledges such a thing to me, I will believe him innocent—I will trust him as I have always done, as the best and truest man on earth. And yet it cuts home to even have such suspicions aroused—oh, if Marian were only here!” “Your sister?” “Yes, the sister I love so dearly, and who would be such a comfort to me. She always believed in Joe. It would be a great shock to her.” Eric was struck by a sudden thought. They always came with a rush, and at times might fall under the name of an inspiration. “Have you your sister’s photograph handy, Mrs. Leslie? Your husband spoke of her so much and said I must meet her some day. I am quite interested, and would like to see her picture.” “That is it on the mantel.” She did not evidently suspect the awful thought that came into his brain. He walked over and looked at the photograph. It attracted him very much. The face was very like Lillian’s, only the hair and eyes were dark. “I shall expect an invitation here when your sister comes on, Mrs. Leslie. She is in Chicago now, I believe.” “That is her home, but she is now traveling in California with a party of friends.” California!