There was only an old, faded piece of parchment.
"There is no locket here," she said. "Only this," and she laid the paper on the table. "Will you please put the papers where they were—and—and—close the room again?"
And she shuddered.
"You are chilled," said the doctor. "There is a draught here from that broken window," and he pointed to the window, in which a pane was broken.
The captain started.
He had quite forgotten that slight evidence of his dark deed.
"A bat or an owl has flown against it," he said. "Let me take you downstairs, Miss Mildmay."
Violet placed her hand upon his arm.
"One moment," said Mr. Thaxton. "With your permission, I will glance at this document; it should be of some importance, so carefully preserved."
Violet made a gesture of assent.