She was in Barnabas’ studio when she put the question.
“Ah,” said Barnabas, “you’ve seen it too.”
“One must be blind not to see it,” said Miss Mason. “I felt something was wrong before I went away, and since I’ve been back I’ve been sure of it.”
For a moment Barnabas did not reply. “I know part,” he said after a minute, “and the rest I can guess. You know he has lost a good bit of money?”
“Humpt!” said Miss Mason. “I didn’t know. So that’s the trouble.”
“Partly,” said Barnabas. “I think the other part is the Duchessa.”
“You mean——?” said Miss Mason.
“Paul was in love with her,” said Barnabas.
Miss Mason looked at him. Then she nodded her head two or three times. She suddenly realized that the Duchessa, who used frequently to come to the courtyard, had not been there during the last three weeks of July, nor during this first fortnight in October. Of August and September she had, of course, no record.
“I see,” she said.