"Yes," she went on rapidly, "the hat is mine; how did you find out I was the owner?"

"I went to Madame Rêne and she told me you bought it from her; but who was the dead woman?"

Lydia Fenny again gave a cry.

"I'm afraid to say--I'm afraid to say; how was she dressed?"

"In a sealskin jacket, a silk dress and that hat."

Lydia wrung her hands in despair.

"It must be true," she moaned; "it is the dress she wore."

"Who wore?" asked Dowker in an excited tone.

"My mistress--Miss Sarschine."

The case seemed to be more mysterious than ever; instead of the maid it was the mistress. Dowker took a photograph of the deceased and gave it to Lydia.