"I did, sir, and Celeste took them to her mistress."
"What followed?"
"Mrs. Mantell hurried downstairs in about five minutes, sir," said Perkins. "She was putting on her veil, and I opened the door for her to pass out."
"Did you open the taxicab door for her?"
"No, sir. The chauffeur had opened it and returned to his seat."
"On which side of the interior seat was Mr. Mantell sitting, or the man you supposed was he?" Nick inquired.[Pg 18]
"Near the open door, sir," said Perkins. "I heard him tell Mrs. Mantell that he would close it, and she passed him and took the other end of the seat. Mr. Mantell then closed the door, sir, and the chauffeur drove away."
"Rapidly, I infer."
"Yes, sir."
"You saw nothing more that occurred in the taxicab?"