"Well, I did not expect you, dear," explained the girl. "As Tim was out on the river, and my father had gone away, I found it dull. I went to bed because I could think of nothing else to do. Then I fancied I heard you calling for help, and came down to find you gagged and bound."
"I did not call for help because I was gagged," said George, "and almost insensible. I expect you were dreaming."
"A very serviceable dream," said Lesbia drily. "Go on, George, darling."
"About half way between Medmenham and Marlow, while I was walking along in the moonlight, I heard a soft step behind me, and turned to see a man almost on top of me. I had not even time to see what he was like, so quickly did he attack me. Aiming a blow at my head with a bludgeon, he struck me hard, and I fell insensible on the path."
"And then?"
"Then I woke to find you looking at me in this room. That's all."
Lesbia examined her lover searchingly. He wore white flannel trousers, a silk shirt, a white flannel coat, and brown shoes. His panama hat was missing.
Then Lesbia uttered an exclamation, and pointed to his pockets. All these, both in coat and trousers, were turned inside out, and the buttons of his shirt were undone, as though he had been searched to the skin. "It's robbery," said Lesbia firmly.
"Robbery! Impossible! Why should anyone rob a pauper like me? I have nothing."
"You have the crass!" murmured Tim, who was squatting on the floor, and who looked like a goblin.