"The last time I saw Mr. Grent," said Maria, seeing that the man did not speak, "was on Friday evening. He dined here, and afterwards said good-bye to his wife and myself, as he intended to leave for Italy on Sunday. A few days afterwards we heard that he was dead."
"Who informed you?"
"Mr. Leighbourne and Mr. Vass; they came down to break the news as gently as possible to my aunt."
"I suppose these two young gentlemen were often here?" said Darrel, with an afterthought that one or both might love the beautiful Creole.
"Naturally," she replied coldly. "Especially Mr. Vass, who was secretary to my uncle. His duties brought him often to Wray House."
"Miss," said Torry, looking sharply at the lady, "have you any idea who murdered Mr. Grent?"
"No!" she exclaimed passionately. "I swear by all the saints I do not know."
"Had he any enemies?"
"None that I know of."
"Did Julia Brawn ever speak ill of him?"