"'Oh, yes, I forgot, but I am confused and troubled. Will you see her before then?'
"'Yes, I have an appointment with her.'
"'Where, sir?'
"'I must not tell you. Remember the injunction your mother laid upon me. I have no alternative but to respect it.'
"'You are right, sir. Pardon me.' She held out her hand, and our reporter advanced to take it; but she withdrew it before he touched it. Even now her doubts and fears were not dispelled. 'Good-night, sir.'
"'Good-night,' said our reporter, and turned to go.
"But now it was his turn to linger. Something, in the room which he had not before observed attracted him. It was a simple article enough, a red silk handkerchief which might be worn around the neck.
"'Good-night, sir,' repeated Constance.
"'Good-night,' he said. 'Excuse me.'
"Then he left the room. As he descended the stairs he heard the key turned in the door of Constance's room.