The following morning Clifford called at the Grantham and asked if Mrs. Morton was in.
The clerk examined the hotel’s file of guests. “There is no Mrs. Morton staying here.”
So, after all, they had not registered. He recalled that Mary had formerly been known here as Mrs. Gardner.
“May I see Mrs. Gardner, then?” he asked.
“Mrs. Gardner moved from the Grantham early this morning,” replied the clerk. “I’d just come on duty when she left.”
“Was there a—was her brother with her?”
“She was alone.”
“If you will kindly give me her new address—”
“She left no address.”
Clifford walked out of the Grantham in deep thought. Mary had realized her situation, she had acted promptly. But what was her plan?—for undoubtedly she had evolved a plan during the night. And where had she gone?