Something in Miss Morton’s expression went to the girl’s heart, and she added impulsively:

“I know it wasn’t anything that affects the case at all, and if you want to refuse us, you may.”

“I’d rather not tell you,” said Miss Morton, and a faraway look came into her strange eyes; “but since you have shown confidence in me, I prefer to return it.”

She took Kitty’s hand in hers, and from the gentle touch the girl was sure that whatever was the nature of the coming confidence, it was not that of a guilty conscience.