"Mrs. Lane?" he said inquiringly.
"That's my name," she answered stiffly.
"I have been living in Australia," he resumed, "for many years. Circumstances cut me off from news, and it is only since I came to Portville that I learned the sad news of your husband's death."
Mrs. Lane did not reply, but regarded him with a frosty air.
"It seems my poor friend has been dead nearly two years?"
"Yes."
John Graves regarded her with some surprise, so cold and repelling was her manner.
"Our relations were very confidential," continued Graves. "Before I went away I deposited in your husband's hands, as he doubtless told you, the sum of thirty thousand dollars."
"You are mistaken, sir," returned Mrs. Lane, in an icy tone. "He never told me any such thing, and you must pardon me for saying that I do not believe such a preposterous statement!"
John Graves arched his eyebrows in amazement, and regarded Mrs. Lane for a moment without speaking.