"You crossed the room," Ford prompted, for the speaker's strength was failing. "Yes, I crossed the room, as deliberately as if nothing had happened. I turned off the light, that I might make good my escape. I flew through the panelled space, and in a few seconds I was out at this end, here on this landing and down the stairs. I saw at once that Blake had heard something, but whether it was a sound from Eric, or the noise of my departure I did not then know. I spoke to the man,--and the rest you know." "You were surprised when the light was turned on to see the two women there?" "I was dumfounded. I couldn't think at first what it would mean to me--or to them. I had no thought of allowing them to be suspected of the crime, but circumstances were too strong for me. They were found there, near the dying man,--I had, to all appearances come in from the other end of the room,--naturally they were suspected. And then reaction had come; no longer was I keyed up by that torment of jealousy, that spur of scorned love. I had time to think,--even when all were wondering and questioning, I had time to think. And I concluded I would never confess unless I was obliged to do so, to save some one else. I decided to devote every energy and use every effort to divert suspicion from all in the household. It was I who really arranged for----" "For the clairvoyant," said Ford, as Beatrice paused from sheer weakness of breath. "Yes, you understand that?" "You hired her, instructed her to write to Mrs. Stannard, and you told her what to say." "Yes, I wanted her to make it appear that the murderer was a man who had entered through the Billiard Room. I meant for the man's identity to be absolutely unknown. But they managed to fasten it on Mr. Courtenay and my plan failed utterly." "And then?" "Then I had about decided to tell the truth. When they arrested Barry, I quite decided. And then you came. I knew that was my death knell. But when you said if the spirit manifestation appeared in the studio to-night--that was a trap, wasn't it?" "Yes, Mrs. Faulkner, it was a trap. I knew whoever had been playing 'spirit' by the use of the panelled space, would do it again to-night at my words, and I felt sure it would be you. I am sorry----" "I believe you are, Mr. Ford. I know from your whole attitude you are sorry for me. Otherwise, I could not have told you all this as I have done. You are more like a father confessor than a detective. It helps a little to know you are sorry for me----" "How did Orienta read the papers? The pocket-light method?" "Yes. She is very clever; I've known her for years. She is not a medium at all. I persuaded her that to do as I asked would save innocent people from being suspected. Of course, she didn't know I was guilty." "And you were 'Goldenheart'?"