His very griminess seemed but an earnest of his steadfast purpose, and suited her present mood of utter disillusion with the artistic and the beautiful.
Dick's look of keen alertness, his sense of forceful vigour, soon returned to him.
He stood up, surveyed himself in the glass, then turned with a rueful smile to Helen.
"It was both kind and brave of you, Mrs.West," he said, "not to send for a policeman." Helen laughed.

"I think I know an honest man when I see him, Dr.Dick.
You must let me use the name by which I have always heard of you.

Now, can you explain more fully ?" "Certainly," said Dick, getting out of his ulster, and sitting down.
"But I must begin by asking a few more questions.

Did you get your cousin's letter yesterday morning?
It was absolutely essential you should receive it before Ronnie reached home.

I hoped you would act upon it at once." Helen gazed at him, aghast.
"I did receive my cousin's letter," she said.
"Was it quite explicit, Mrs.West ?" "It was absolutely explicit." "Ah! Then on that point I admit I have wronged him.