The eyes of all in the little group turned, together. Chief Inspector Sheffield had joined them.
The lady addressed eyed the big man apprehensively. He was outside the experience of Fashionable Intelligence, but there was a quiet authority in his voice and manner which seemed to call for a reply.
"He was the most handsome man I have ever seen!" she answered briefly.
"Thank you!" said Sheffield, with even greater brevity, and turned on his heel.
He went up to a footman, who looked more like a clean-shaven policeman—possibly because he was one.
"You are certain that Miss Oppner and the man I have described actually entered this house?"
"They were talking together in that room by the statue, sir."
"And Miss Oppner came out?"
"Yes, sir."
"But not the man?"