"From the evidence of her maid, Anne Lifford."
"Yes, she told me the same thing," interposed May, "and if that is so, well--" she looked at the other three in helpless confusion.
"As Mr. Desmond refuses to give us any information," said Dowker, "the only thing to be done is to wait and find out the truth from Lady Balscombe herself."
"What could she know about this woman's death?" asked Sir Rupert.
"She might not know much," replied Dowker, significantly, "but enough to show in what way her sister met her death."
"Her sister!" echoed the others in surprise.
"Yes I have ascertained Lena Sarschine to have been the sister of Lady Balscombe."
"Are you mad?" said the baronet angrily. "Do you know who my wife was?"
"I do. The daughter of Captain Michael Dicksfall of Folkestone--he had two daughters, twins, one, Miss Helena Dicksfall, ran away with Lord Calliston three years ago and became his mistress under the name of Lena Sarschine, the other, Miss Amelia Dicksfall, married Sir Rupert Balscombe."
The baronet sank into his seat looking pale and haggard.