He bowed his head.
"Yes. I saw Lady Balscombe on that night. She was dressed in Lena Sarschine's clothes, and came to see Calliston. He was not there--I was. She told me of the visit of her sister to her house, and how she had come to learn the truth from Calliston's own lips. I told her it was true that Lena Sarschine--or rather, Helena Dicksfall--was Calliston's mistress. She was mad with anger, and wanted to go straight back to her sister. Knowing if she did the two women would have a row, and things might become serious, I tried to quiet her, but was unsuccessful. In spite of all I could do, she rushed away outside, and though I followed her in a few minutes, I was unable to find her, as she had disappeared in the thick fog. I went along Piccadilly as quickly as I could, thinking she had gone home, but after getting to Park Lane and not finding her, I thought I had lost her on the way, as she could not have walked as quickly as I did. I did not ask for her at Park Lane, as that would have let the servants know she was out, and I wanted to save her good name. I went back again along Piccadilly down St. James's Street, in a vain hope of finding her. I was unsuccessful, as you may guess, so was coming up St. James's Street on my way back to Park Lane, when I met Ellersby, as you know. After that I gave up the chase in despair and went home. Next morning I heard of the murder in Jermyn Street, and saw by the description of the dress it was Lady Balscombe, but as the idea got about it was Lena Sarschine, I did not seek to contradict it."
"Why?" asked Norwood.
"For very strong reasons," replied Desmond coldly.
"Were your very strong reasons connected with the murder?"
"They were."
"Cannot you tell them to me now?"
"If you give me a few minutes to think I will let you know."
"Very good," said Norwood cheerfully.
"Why did you not tell us all this before?" asked May.