The Second Confesion

“Do I?” “Certainly you do. You merely hadn't put it so baldly. You may have got to honesty, Miss Sperling, but there is still sagacity. If I understand you, and you say I do, you think that Mr Emerson killed Mr Rony because he was philandering with Mrs Emerson. I don't believe it. I've heard some of Mr Emerson's broadcasts, and met him at your home, and I consider him incapable of an emotion so warm and direct and explosive. You said I can do nothing about Mr Rony's death. I think I can, and I intend to try, but if I find myself reduced to so desperate an assumption as that Mr Emerson was driven to kill by jealousy of his wife, I'll quit.” “Then-” Gwenn was frowning at him. “Then what?” “I don't know. Yet.” Wolfe put his hands on the edge of his desk, pushed his chair back, and arose. “Are you going to drive back home tonight?” “Yes. But-” “Then you'd better get started. It's late. Your newborn passion for honesty is admirable, but in that, as in everything, moderation is often best. It would have been honest to tell your father you were coming here; it would be honest to tell him where you have been when you get home; but if you do so he will think that you have helped me to discredit Mr Kane's statement, and that would be false. So a better honesty would be to lie and tell him you went to see a friend.” “I did,” Gwenn declared. Tfou are a friend. I want to stay and talk.” “Not tonight.” Wolfe was emphatic. “I'm expecting a caller. Some other time.” He added hastily, “By appointment, of course.” She didn't want to go, but what could the poor girl do? After I handed her her neckpiece she stood and prolonged it a little, with questions that got answers in one syllable, but finally made the best of it.

When she had gone I proceeded immediately to tell Wolfe what I thought of him.

“You couldn't possibly ask for a better chance,” I protested hotly. “She may not be Miss America 1949, but she's anything but an eyesore, and she'll inherit millions, and she's nuts about you. You could quit work and eat and drink all day. Evenings you could explain how well you understand her, which is apparently all she asks for. You're hooked at last, and it was about time.” I extended a paw. “Congratulations!” “Shut up.” He glanced at the clock.