"
Francis had recovered himself, had found his bearings to a
certain extent.
"I am sorry that you have told me this, Mr. Hilditch," he said, a
little stiffly.
"Why?" was the puzzled reply. "I thought you would be
interested."
"I am interested to this extent," Francis declared, "I shall
accept no more cases such as yours unless I am convinced of my
client's innocence. I look upon your confession to me as being
in the worst possible taste, and I regret very much my efforts on
your behalf."
The woman was listening intently. Hilditch's expression was one
of cynical wonder. Francis rose to his feet and moved across to
his hostess.
"Mrs. Hilditch," he said, "will you allow me to make my
apologies? Your husband and I have arrived at an understanding
--or perhaps I should say a misunderstanding--which renders the
acceptance of any further hospitality on my part impossible."
She held out the tips of her fingers.
"I had no idea," she observed, with gentle sarcasm, "that you
barristers were such purists morally. I thought you were rather
proud of being the last hope of the criminal classes."
"Madam," Francis replied, "I am not proud of having saved the
life of a self-confessed murderer, even though that man may be
your husband."
Hilditch was laughing softly to himself as he escorted his
departing guest to the door.
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