On arriving at his home Paul found that Iris had preceded him, and was seated in the tiny drawing-room with Mrs. Mexton. The widow--for Paul's father had long since departed this life--was a placid, motherly-looking woman, whose mission in life seemed to be the task of comforting the afflicted. In this mission she was now engaged with Iris, and from the more composed looks of the girl it would seem that she had succeeded.
"Well," said Iris, when he made his appearance, "did you find Brent?"
"Yes--and what is more, I made him speak out."
"Did he give you any useful information?"
"He did; so useful that I hope to prove the innocence of Dr. Lester, and secure the arrest of the real murderer."
"Lucas Lovel?"
"No. According to Brent, that gentleman is innocent."
"I told you so, Iris," interjected Mrs. Mexton mildly. "I am sure Mr. Lovel is too much a gentleman to commit so terrible a crime."
"I don't think good birth or good breeding have much to do with the prevention of crime," replied Iris disdainfully; "there is criminality amongst the upper classes, as in the lower, only they sin in a more refined manner. But this is beside the question. What I wish to know is: If Mr. Lovel is not guilty--which I beg leave to doubt--who is?"
"What would you say to Miss Clyde?"