It is quite certain that our system is at fault somewhere.
Mr. Wrench was an officer perhaps a little beyond others of his class. As we have already seen, he was persevering and intelligent, and Mr. Chicknell had acted wisely in securing his services for Lord Ethalwood.
Charles Peace was perfectly astounded when he became aware of the facts detailed to him by the detective.
He had never heard of the jewellery taken from the dead body of the lady in the infirmary—had never for a moment imagined that there was any doubt about the paternity of Aveline, whom he implicitly believed to be the daughter of Mrs. Maitland.
He was almost bewildered by the discovery made by the officer, who gave the details in a matter-of-fact sort of way, which left no doubt as to their accuracy.
Mr. Wrench remained in the public room for some time drinking with Peace, to whom he stood divers and sundry potations. After this he whispered to our hero that he was about to retire, wished him goodnight, and betook himself to his bedchamber.
Peace did not leave the parlour for an hour or two after the withdrawal of his companion.
He played several pieces on his violin, much to the delight of the assembled guests, and then in his turn retired to his room.
He was, however, too restless and fidgetty to seek repose. He sat himself on the edge of his bed and thought over all the strange incidents which had come to his knowledge in respect to Aveline.
The whole affair seemed to be like the disjointed fragments of a nightmare.