[THE TURQUOISE RING]
Here, then, was a new complication, and one entirely unforeseen. The dead man, false to his reputed character for uprightness and loyalty to his wife, had been in love with Lydia Hargone, and she, according to Donna Inez, while pretending an affection for Blake, was devoted to Frederick Leighbourne. Torry was so perplexed over the matter that he determined to adopt a frank and open policy, and visit Lydia and Leighbourne in turn. From one or the other he hoped to get at the truth of the accusations directed against them by Mrs. Grent.
With this idea the detective drove to Fleet-street the next morning and sent in his card to Frederick Leighbourne, with a request for an immediate interview. The young banker was annoyed by the visit, and very unskilfully shewed his annoyance when Torry was admitted into his room. For this peevishness, however, the detective cared little, so long as he secured an interview, and he seated himself near Frederick with a smiling face.
"It's a fine morning, sir," he said, cheerfully.
"Very," replied Frederick drily, "but I hardly presume that you came to tell me so."
"No, sir, that's very true. I came to have an interview with you about this case."
"I am at your service, sir. Go on."
"Well, sir," said Torry abruptly. "I saw Mrs. Grent yesterday."
Frederick started nervously, and looked anxiously at Torry. "And what did she say?" he asked, with an attempt at light conversation.
"That her husband was in love with Miss Hargone."