"As a matter of fact I have known Mrs. Gertstein all my life. She is a sort of distant relative of mine and very much younger than her husband. We were at school together. I can see what you're driving at, Mr. Labar," she proceeded. "My father, who was a civil servant, died just over a year ago, leaving me a small, a very small, income. My mother has been dead for many years. I struggled along for some months, but I am afraid that I am one of those persons who need something more than a bread and butter existence. So when Adèle--that's Mrs. Gertstein--offered me this position, I took it. I'm well paid for the little I do and live in a style that I could not otherwise afford." "Thank you. Do you mind if I smoke?" He lit a cigarette with elaborate care and leaned one elbow casually on the table. "I suppose you know that you are a very pretty girl." A whimsical smile overspread his face, and he held out a protesting hand as she half rose from her seat. "Don't misunderstand me, please. It is an unfortunate necessity of my business to ask delicate questions sometimes. You are not engaged I see. But is there anyone----?" He raised his eyebrows ever so little. Penelope dropped back into her chair with a laugh. "I feared for a moment you were trying to flirt with me. That would be ridiculous, wouldn't it? No, Mr. Labar, I assure you that I have no interest in any man or men that way." "I can conceive that men might be interested in you," he smiled. "Now one more personal question. Like most ladies you have little personal extravagances that you like to indulge, eh?" She flushed and pouted a little. "I don't know that I'm so enormously extravagant. I'm fond of pretty things, and I have them within my means." "Always?" He leaned forward, and spoke the word very quietly. "You don't--ah--run into debt?" She swept angrily to her feet. "You are insulting," she declared. "I can't misunderstand you. You suggest that I am mixed up in this robbery." "Sit down!" he ordered, sternly. There was no mistaking the menace in his voice now. The girl ignored the command and remained with set face, her gaze meeting his in angry defiance. For a matter of seconds they remained thus, their wills clashing for supremacy. With deliberation he rose, and towering over her, pointed to her chair. "Sit down," he repeated sternly, and as though under some dominating spell, she slowly obeyed. He remained on his feet. "I have made no accusation against you, Miss Noelson, and you can answer me or not as you please. It will simplify my work if you answer, but bear in mind that I have other means of getting information." He noted that the wave of angry colour, which had suffused her face, had died down, leaving her with a touch of pallor. But she was holding herself steadily in hand, and had all her self-possession. "In that event," she returned, icily, "you had better apply to those other sources of information."