“Nearly twelve years. He came to me at the time of the death of my wife. I had been in communication with him before that, seeking to do something for him, for I dislike to have it said that I have neglected poor relations. I sent for him then, and asked him to be my secretary—and that is really what he was. My secretary, although he performed the other services, also.â€�
“I see. How long have you been at home, Mr. Lynne?�
“Not more than six weeks; just about that. I joined a shooting party over there, which kept me longer than I intended to stay.�
“Your house at Pleasantglades was closed when you returned?�
“Yes. Edythe had returned to the city long before that.�
“So she was at home when you did return, I suppose.�
“No. She had gone on a trip to California with a party of friends in two or three private cars.�
“When did she return from that trip, Mr. Lynne?�
“Only last week.�
“It must have been a great joy to her to find you at home waiting for her when you had been parted so long, especially as you had been so ill while you were away,� said Nick, selecting a cigar from his case and proffering it to his companion, who accepted it mechanically, bit off the end, and also accepted the light which Nick offered him before he replied.