He made across the room, intending politely to hold open the door for Elaine to pass out. John, however, was quicker, and as he held the door wide Elaine lifted her grey-blue, beautiful eyes and searched his. Her expression, John thought, was one of surprise—surprise at what?
He closed the door, and instantly Cherriton laid a hand on his shoulder.
"Well," he demanded, "what happened to you last night."
"You were present at the beginning of the happening," returned John.
"The four men were police officers, were they not?"
"Detectives from Scotland Yard. They took me there, cross-examined me, and discovered that a mistake had been made."
Manners drew in a deep breath of relief.
"Ah—a—mistake!" he exclaimed.
Cherriton, who was busy with a cigarette, looked at John under his brows. He had retreated to the hearth, and-was leaning with his back against the mantelshelf. "A very unpleasant incident for you, eh, Treves?" he inquired.
"Very," responded John.