"H'm!" said Torry doubtfully. "What about Mr. Vass? You met him on that day?"
"Then what was he doing in the West End so far from the bank?"
"He casually mentioned that he was executing a commission for Mr. Frederick Leighbourne."
"No," replied Maria haughtily, "I do not."
"On private business," said Maria with emphasis.
"H'm! Would you mind explaining what that private business was about?"
"Yes!" said Miss Sandoval. "I refuse--absolutely."
Educated by experience and the necessities of his profession, Torry was not a man who lost his temper easily; but when he left Wray House he was in as great a rage as he well could be. Never had he met with so obstinate a woman as Donna Maria, or one who knew better how to keep a secret. She steadily refused to explain the reason of her visit to Grent, or to reveal the conversation which had taken place between them. Threats she laughed at, persuasion she smiled at; and Torry, who flattered himself on his cunning, was forced to take his departure without gaining her confidence. He went as wise as he came. On arriving in town, he first had something to eat, after which he drove off to Darrel. The novelist informed him that Lydia had duly arrived, with a small box, and he had pointed her out to a detective procured from Scotland Yard. The man had followed her at once, and Darrel having discharged his mission, had returned home.
In return for this news Torry, not without some display of ill-temper, detailed his unsuccessful attempts to make Donna Maria confess. Darrel commiserated the detective, but could not forbear eulogising the girl, much to Torry's disgust.
"Upon my soul," said he grumbling, "I believe your sympathies are with her, merely because she has a pretty face."
"Pretty!" echoed Frank, indignantly. "If there is one word in English tongue which does not apply to Donna Maria Sandoval, that word is 'pretty.' Why, man, she is one of the most beautiful women in the world!"
"She is certainly the most obstinate," said Torry drily. "I am satisfied she knows something likely to lead to the detection of the criminal."
"It is my belief," insisted Torry seriously. "Also, I am certain that there is some connection between her and Vass."
"What do you mean?" cried Darrel, indignant that the slightest slur should be cast on the character of the woman he worshipped.