"The only curious part about it to my mind is, that it should have been found in Arthur Bohun's desk," pursued Mrs. Cumberland, the two being still delightfully unconscious that they were at the cross-purposes. "He says he has not left his desk unlocked at all, that he is aware of--but of course he might have done so. Why Edmund North should have chosen to put it there, is a mystery."
"What has Captain Bohun's desk to do with it?" inquired Mrs. Gass, beginning to feel a little at sea.
"The paper was found in Captain Bohun's desk. Though why Edmund North should have placed it there, remains a mystery."
"Ma'am, whoever told you that, must have been just trying to deceive you. It was found on this carpet."
"Found on this carpet!"
"On this very blessed carpet, ma'am. Right back under the claw of that centre dining-table."
Again they gazed at each other. Mrs. Cumberland thought her friend must be dreaming.
"But you are quite mistaken, Mrs. Gass. The paper--note, or whatever it was--could not have been on this carpet at all: nor in your house, in fact. Captain Bohun discovered it in his desk three days ago, and he has not the slightest idea as to how it came there. Mr. North took possession of it, and it has never since been out of his hands."
"My dear lady, they have been mystifying of you," cried Mrs. Gass. "Seeing's believing. The paper was first found by me. By me, ma'am, on this carpet, and it was the same night that Edmund North was first took; not an hour after the fit."
Mrs. Cumberland made no reply. She was drifting into the conclusion that all the circumstances had not been related to her.