“Yes. Now that you know about it, I am glad to talk about it. We met—the engagement was consummated while I was abroad last summer. I had not seen Mrs. Babbington, either, for a considerable time—for several months.â€�
“It is rather strange that you did not hasten to her, rather than to your home, on the arrival of the train, Mr. Lynne.�
“To tell you the truth I did so, although I remained there but a moment.�
“Ah; you saw her first, then, and afterward went to your home?�
“Yes; but I was not there above fifteen minutes.�
“Tell me, had Edythe complained of feeling ill, do you know, before she started for that reception?�
“I don’t think so. I had not heard of it.�
“By the way, that butler of yours: is he the same man you had there before you went away last spring, Mr. Lynne?�
“No. He is one whom Edythe engaged while I was away. The old butler, Tompkins, who had been in my service for years, and who had grown old, wished to retire. He had quite a competence, so he could afford to do so.�
“I see. And Edythe engaged the new one?�