Part 27 (2/2)

It spread itself large over his countenance, finding verbal expression in an utterly astounded gasp.

”He seems very well,” said Trix demurely.

”Miss Devereux!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed Doctor Hilary.

”Yes?” asked Trix sweetly.

”Have you known all the time?” he demanded.

Trix shook her head, laughter dancing in her eyes. It found its way to her lips.

”Oh, you looked so surprised,” she gurgled. ”I hadn't the tiniest bit of an idea. How could I? I was never so flummuxed in all my life as when I realized who was talking to me.”

Doctor Hilary was silent.

Trix put her hand on his arm, half timidly.

”Don't be angry,” she said. ”He wasn't. And I've promised faithfully not to tell.”

Doctor Hilary glanced down at the hand on his arm.

”I'm not angry,” he said with a queer smile, ”I'm only--” He stopped.

”Flummuxed, like I was,” nodded Trix, removing her hand. ”It's quite the amazingest thing I ever knew.” She gave another little gurgle of laughter, looking up at the very blue sky as if inviting it to share her pleasure.

”How much did he tell you?” asked Doctor Hilary.

Trix lowered her chin, and considered briefly.

”Just nothing, now I come to think of it, beyond the fact that he was Mr.

Danver. But then I'd really been the first to volunteer that piece of information. I haven't the faintest notion why there's all this mystery, and why he has pretended to be dead. He didn't want me to know that. So please don't say anything that could tell me. He said I could talk to you.”

”I won't,” smiled Doctor Hilary answering the request.

They walked on a few steps in silence.

”But what I should like to know,” he said after a minute, ”is how you managed to get inside the house at all?”

”Oh dear!” sighed Trix twisting her glove round her wrist.

Doctor Hilary looked rather surprised.

”Don't say if you'd rather not,” he remarked quickly.

Trix sighed again.

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