“That I do not say. But I was not content.”

“Miss Cordier, have you seen this book before? I call your attention to its title—Stone on Commercial Paper, Volume III.”

Miss Cordier’s black eyes swept it perfunctorily. “Yes, that book I know.”

“When did you last see it?”

“The night of June nineteenth, about nine o’clock.”

“Where?”

“In the study of Mr. Ives.”

“What particularly brought it to your attention?”

“Because I take it out of the corner by the desk to look inside it.”

“For what purpose?”