"I'll send it as soon as I get his address from the lady. Ah"--he nodded as a ring came to the door--"there she is."
Laura entered the room, looking pale and discomposed, evidences of emotion of which Derrick took note. To be sure, it was natural that a girl of this tender age should be unstrung by the tragedy which had taken place, and Derrick scarcely expected to see her other than moved. But having regard to the crime, he was suspicious of all the Fane family. He admired Laura's fresh beauty, and placed a chair for her, apologising meanwhile for the disagreeable duty he had to perform.
"But I am sure you will excuse me, Miss Mason," said the gallant Derrick. "I will ask as few questions as possible."
"I really don't know what questions you can ask me," said Laura.
"Oh, that is an easy matter, Miss Mason. However, we had better clear the ground, so that we may understand one another. It was Mr. Tracey who told me that you are the sister-in-law of Mr. Fane, and I requested him to bring you round. Is he below?"
"No; I preferred to come myself. Mr. Tracey is of a very inquiring nature, and I don't want him to hear all I may have to tell you."
Derrick shook his head. "I fear you will be obliged to let the whole of London hear, Miss Mason. There will be an inquest."
"Must I appear at that?"
"Certainly. You may be able to identify the woman."
"I fear not, from the description Mr. Tracey gave of her."