"Certainly. He came here to sketch. He had sold his landscapes at the Institute very well, and a friend of the gentleman who bought them wanted two in the same style. Osmond thought a change to the country would do him good. An artist friend of ours recommended Edge Combe, and so he came here."
"Do you know the friend who recommended Edge Combe?"
A slight hint of extra color rose in the girl's cheeks.
"Yes, I know him; he is a Mr. Haldane, a student in the Academy Schools."
"On good terms with your brother?"
"Yes, of course; but he knows my sister Jacqueline better than he knows Osmond."
"Would he be likely to write to Mr. Allonby?"
"No, I hardly think so. He never has, that I know of. He sent the address of the inn on a postcard. Mrs. Clapp would know him—he stayed here several weeks last year."
The detective pondered.
"You are sure there was no quarrel—no jealousy—nothing that could——"