"Is it not possible for you to apply?"
"Quite out of the question. After what has passed between us on the
subject of the lost Diamond, I can neither see her, nor write to her, as
things are now."
Ezra Jennings paused, and considered for a moment.
"May I ask you a delicate question?" he said.
I signed to him to go on.
"Am I right, Mr. Blake, in fancying (from one or two things which have
dropped from you) that you felt no common interest in Miss Verinder, in
former times?"
"Quite right."
"Was the feeling returned?"
"It was."
"Do you think Miss Verinder would be likely to feel a strong interest in
the attempt to prove your innocence?"
"I am certain of it."
"In that case, I will write to Miss Verinder--if you will give me
leave."
"Telling her of the proposal that you have made to me?"
"Telling her of everything that has passed between us to-day."
It is needless to say that I eagerly accepted the service which he had
offered to me.
"I shall have time to write by to-day's post," he said, looking at his
watch. "Don't forget to lock up your cigars, when you get back to the
hotel! I will call to-morrow morning and hear how you have passed the
night.
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