"I have sent for you to—"
"Pardon me, Miss de Barryos," he interrupted, speaking for the first time in a low voice which had a curiously distinctive carrying power. "Is it your desire that your maid should be present during this interview?"
Carlita started slightly; but after the faintest possible hesitation, turned to Ahbel, of whom the detective had spoken as if she were the most absolute stranger to him.
"You may go," she said, gently. "If I should need you I will ring."
"Yes, miss."
She left the room without even a backward glance, and when the door closed, Carlita began again:
"I suppose your niece told you of why I have sent for you, and—"
"She said something of the death of your fiancé, which was thought to be murder; but I never like to accept even the most apparently trifling detail from one so little interested as a maid. If I am to be retained in this case, Miss de Barryos, I must receive all my data from you personally until I can discover for myself."
"You understand, then, that this case will necessitate a visit to Mexico?"
"Your maid told me as much."