She was hidden
behind the curtain, then! She heard and saw all! If Vimpany had found
her! He was right. No one so dangerous as a woman. Yes; she has told
you exactly what happened. She suspected all along. We should have sent
her away and changed our plans. This comes of being too clever. Nothing
would do for the doctor but the man's death. I hoped--we both
hoped--that he would die a natural death. He did not. Without a dead
man we were powerless. We had to get a dead man, Iris, I will hide
nothing more from you, whatever happens. I confess everything. I knew
that he was going to die. When he began to get well I was filled with
forebodings, because I knew that he would never be allowed to go away.
How else could we find a dead body? You can't steal a body; you can't
make one up. You must have one for proof of death. I say"--his voice
was harsh and hoarse--"I say that I knew he must die. I saw his death
in the doctor's face. And there was no more money left for a new
experiment if Oxeye should get well and go away. When it came to the
point I was seized with mortal terror. I would have given up
everything--everything--to see the man get up from his bed and go away.
But it was too late.
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