"I did," replied Ireland, in his heavy voice. "I was there at the time Mr. Percy Vane was murdered--" Derrington groaned--"and I was at the masked ball where----"
"The Veglioni," said Mrs. Ward. "Well, you were there. You say you saw me?"
"In a blue domino."
"There were plenty of blue dominoes at that ball--at least I should think there were."
"Yes, but you wore a sprig of yellow holly. That was why I recognized you when you were masked."
"How did you know it was I?"
"Because early in the evening you went into a box. I was there talking to the Marchesa Beltrami, to whom the box belonged. You removed your mask and I had ample opportunity to observe you."
"What reason had you to observe me?" asked Mrs. Ward, just as though she were counsel examining a witness.
"Well," said Ireland, smoothing his face, "you see I knew Mr. Vane very well. He married a woman of whom I was fond." Derrington shifted restlessly in his chair. "Do not be afraid, Lord Derrington, I do not intend to talk of Rosina Lockwood----"
"You are talking to me at present," said Mrs. Ward, sharply. "You can talk to Lord Derrington later."