A lady! My thoughts at once reverted to Rose Strent; but, then, the chances were that it might be Olivia.
"Yes, Miss Bellin?"
"That's the young lady, sir, to whom Mr. Briarfield is engaged?" asked the caretaker, who was a confirmed gossip.
"Yes!"
"It is not her, sir. I know her well by sight, as she has been here with Mrs. Bellin. It's another lady."
My surmise was right, and I felt confident that while I stood there Felix was having an interview with his accomplice. I could not disturb them, yet wished to assure myself of the identity of Rose Strent. When I found out all about her, there might be a possibility of solving the mystery.
"Well, no matter," I answered carelessly, stuffing the card back into my case. "I'll see Mr. Briarfield another time."
"Will you leave your name, sir?"
"No, it doesn't matter. I'll call about nine on the chance of finding him in."
Having thus baffled the inquiries of the caretaker, I strolled into the street, and, taking up my station at the corner, kept my eyes on the door. If Rose Strent was with Felix, she must certainly come out in a short time. Then I intended to follow her up and speak to her if I got a chance. Failing Briarfield, I might possibly extort a confession from the weaker vessel.