"Yes," broke in Lovel fiercely, "it is the name of the assassin; and I hope I'll see him in gaol to-night. Where are you going now, doctor?" he asked abruptly.
"To see Mother Jimboy. She is ill, you know."
"Yes, I know," assented Lovel gloomily. "Will she die?"
"I hope not; but she is old, and should fever intervene, or inflammation be set up, I am afraid she will die."
"It may be well if she does," muttered Lovel to himself. "Good-bye, doctor. You shall know who killed Milly this very night."
When Lester took his departure, which he did very unwillingly, as he was anxious to know the truth, Paul and his companion went to the Vicarage, and without much difficulty were shown into the presence of Chaskin. The Vicar happened to be at home at the moment, and saw them with apparent willingness; but Lovel, with jealous eyes, perceived that he changed colour when they entered. Also, his voice shook when he asked them to be seated; and from these signs of emotion in the absence of any apparent cause Paul augured ill. For an innocent man Chaskin was strangely moved.
"We have come to see you on a very important matter, sir," said Paul.
"Yes," responded Chaskin, trying to preserve his calmness; "and about what?"
"Let me answer that question," said Lovel, before Paul could speak. "About the murder of Miss Lester."
"What about the murder, Mr. Lovel? Why do you come to me on such errand?"