"Lady Balscombe could not have gone out in the meantime?"
"No, because I asked the footman if anyone had gone out or come in, and he said no one."
"She could not have gone out without attracting the notice of the servants, I suppose?"
"No, they would have recognised her at once. I think she waited till everyone was in bed and then went off to meet Lord Calliston."
"But you are sure she did not leave till after twelve?"
"I'd swear it anywhere," returned Miss Lifford impatiently.
"In that case," muttered Dowker, "it could not have been Lady Balscombe who saw Mr. Desmond at Lord Calliston's chambers, so it must have been Lena Sarschine."
"Do you want to know anything more?" asked Miss Lifford icily.
"Yes. Tell me, what was Lady Balscombe like?"
Miss Lifford laughed contemptuously.