"I have read in the papers about the Jarlchester Mystery," said Spolger, in an altered tone.
"I guessed as much, and that was the reason you said Melstane would not return."
"No, no! What do you mean?"
"Mean that Sebastian Melstane died at Jarlchester, and you know it."
"Sebastian!"
They all turned round, and there stood Florry, with one hand clasped over her heart, and the other grasping a chair to steady herself by.
"Sebastian," she whispered, with white lips, "is—is he dead?"
Roger turned his head.
"Dead!" she cried, with a cry of terror. "Dead—murdered!" and fell fainting on the floor.