Stella expected Annie to snap at her like a rabid dog. There was stillness for a time, and then she said, "Mr. Conrad, do you believe her?"

"Whether I believe her or not depends on your answer."

"No, he's not." Stella has no desire to explain unnecessary things. She said, "Mr. Conrad, you could look into the days of my pregnancy and check when Horace has come back from abroad."

Clarence calmly withdrew his sight without saying anything. Stella opened her mouth. She felt compelled to say something, but she wasn't sure it would help.

Clarence remarked after a little while, "It doesn't mean I believe you. I find Annie...