“What is there, at Pleasantglades, that could have drawn her there last night?�

“Nothing. Not a thing in the world that I know about.�

“Nothing that you can surmise?�

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing.�

“When you returned to the reception after leaving your daughter at the door of your own home, did you remain there?�

“No; truth to tell, I did not.�

“What did you do, and where did you go?�

“Really, Mr. Carter, one would suppose——â€�

“We need suppose nothing at all, Mr. Lynne. You agreed to reply to my questions.�

“But all this is so preposterous.�