"Never mind," chuckled Joad, rubbing his hands. "She'll have to marry me, or see Allen Scott in gaol as a murderer. And when we are man and wife, I'll find out some way to tame her proud spirit." Dora partook of supper with Mrs. Tice, but answered that good lady's questions in a perfunctory manner. The housekeeper was anxious and uneasy. The visit of Dora to town struck her as strange--the more so as she connected it with recent events. Before departing Dora had promised an explanation of her movements, and Mrs. Tice waited for the fulfilment of that promise. But Dora said nothing. She ate her supper, talked on general subjects, and finally took herself off to bed without a word of explanation. Mrs. Tice was annoyed. "Miss Carew," she said, following her to the door, "I beg your pardon, but you promised to tell me why you went up to town to-day." "Did I?" said Dora carelessly. "I've changed my mind, then." "I do not see why you should keep me in the dark, miss," exclaimed the housekeeper, in a mortified tone. "If you cast back your memory to our last conversation, you will see, Mrs. Tice. You are keeping me in the dark; so, by acting in the same way towards you, I am only giving you a Roland for an Oliver." "All the same, you could do worse than ask my advice, Miss Carew." "I have asked it, and you refuse to help me. Now I must see after things in my own way." "You will get into trouble if you are not careful," said Mrs. Tice sharply. "It will be no thanks to you if I do not," retorted Dora bitterly. "You have refused to help me." "What would you have me do, girl?" cried Mrs. Tice, forgetting her respect in her anxiety. "I dare not tell you what I know. Mr. Allen made me promise to be silent." "Allen is acting in a very foolish manner, and so are you," said Dora quietly; "you seem to think that I am a child, to whom no secret can be confided. In ordinary cases, this would not matter to me, as I am the least curious of women. But as my happiness is at stake, I must strive to learn what you would want concealed." "It will do you no good if you do find out," said Mrs. Tice sullenly. "Perhaps not; but at least its discovery will throw a light on the mystery of this murder." "There you are wrong, Miss Carew. It will do no such thing." Dora had argued this point before; therefore she made no reply, and with a weary nod prepared to leave the room. Again Mrs. Tice laid a detaining hand upon her sleeve. "Tell me, my dear," said she timidly, "what is it Mr. Allen said to you about the murder?" "You had better ask him, Mrs. Tice; it is no good coming to me. Unless you tell me what you know, I shall keep silent as to my knowledge." "Does Mr. Allen know anything about this crime?" "Yes, he does; he knows a great deal." "Does he know who killed Mr. Edermont?" "He does--and you know also." "No, no; I--I do not!" gasped Mrs. Tice, shrinking back; "my knowledge has nothing to do with the matter."