“What were Miss Price’s actions?” asked the detective, taking Fannie’s statements in the order she had made them.

Fannie frowned.

“Oh, I do not know. She was strange. She behaved strangely and she went away at once.”

“You mean she left the room?”

“I cannot say. I saw her no more until supper.”

“Where were you?”

“Oh, I was about, dancing, playing, laughing with the others,” replied Fannie carelessly.

“You said a moment ago you knew something about Miss Price. Will you tell us what it is?”

“Ah, but I hesitate. It is unkind to spread so terrible a story.”

“We will treat it confidentially,” said the detective drily.