Strangely enough Mrs. Moxton not only welcomed him eagerly, but informed him that his arrival was opportune. "If you had not come I should have sent for you," said she, and conducted him into a cheerful little sitting-room all white paint, Chinese matting, and furniture covered with bright-hued chintz.
"What is the matter, Mrs. Moxton? There is nothing wrong, I hope."
"Oh, no! but I want your advice. You are my only friend."
"I am proud of the position, Mrs. Moxton, and I hope you will permit me, as a friend, to ask you a few plain questions?"
The little woman's resolute face grew pale. "About the death?" she murmured.
"Yes! You know that there is a slur on your name in connection with that. As your friend, I wish to remove that slur by assisting you to hunt down the murderer."
It was an odd but true thing that Mrs. Moxton had the same habit as Ellis of walking up and down the room when annoyed. At the conclusion of the doctor's last speech she rose suddenly and took a turn to compose her mind. "It is very good of you to think of helping me," she said abruptly, "but why should you?"
"Because I wish to be your friend, and I know that you are in danger."
"I am in no danger if you allude to this preposterous accusation that I killed my husband. If needs be I can protect myself should the occasion arise."
Mrs. Moxton turned on Ellis with a frown. "What do you mean?"
"Rumour says that if you did not murder Moxton yourself you know who did, and that you are shielding him."
"Him! Oh, I am shielding a man," said the widow, catching at the final word. "Set your mind at rest, doctor, I am shielding no man."
"Mrs. Moxton, why not be candid and tell me all?"
"I told all I knew at the inquest," she replied sullenly.
"Can you swear that you do not know who killed your husband?"
"I was on my oath at the inquest, I tell you," cried the woman, passionately. "I will not swear again--to you."
"Very good," said Ellis, coldly. "I see that you doubt me."
"I doubt you! I trust you more than you think. Doctor Ellis, in spite of what I said to you before, I am surrounded on all sides by difficulties and dangers. One false step and Heaven knows what may happen! I can't tell you all--I dare not. But you are my friend and must help me."