"Of course not," replied Isabella, in the most truthful manner. "I did not leave the house, and Dido was with me all the time. I expect Maurice was waiting for me, and that David saw him. No doubt they quarreled, and then the death took place." From this speech it was quite evident that the girl was absolutely ignorant of the part which she had played in the affair. Still, to make certain, Jen asked why she had not kept the appointment. "I had a nervous headache," she said, quickly, "and Dido hypnotized me. When I woke up it was too late to see Maurice." This remark put the matter beyond all doubt. The girl, by her own admission, had been hypnotized by the negress, and, while in the trance state, with her will at the mercy of the other woman, she had killed her lover. Morally speaking, it was Dido, in the person of Isabella, who was the assassin. However, the major had learned all that he wished to know, and not wishing to pursue the subject, turned the conversation by explaining that Etwald was coming in a few minutes. Mrs. Dallas rose up in a cold fury. "Did you ask me here to insult me, major?" "I asked you here at the particular request of Dr. Etwald." "Why? What can he have to say to my mother?" cried Isabella, in surprise. "Miss Dallas, I know no more than you do; but he evidently desires to make a clean breast of this whole miserable business." "I have heard quite enough about it," said Mrs. Dallas, marching toward the door, "and I refuse to meet that monster of iniquity!" But she was too late, for, before she could escape from the room, Dr. Etwald--as smiling and composed as ever--entered the door. He placed himself quietly before the enraged Mrs. Dallas. "Do not go, madam," said he, quietly. "I have something to show you." "What is it?" asked Mrs. Dallas, her curiosity--like that of the major--getting the better of her rage. "You will see in a few minutes. Miss Dallas, you look pale. I hope soon to bring back the roses to your cheeks. Major--" "Don't speak to me, you scoundrel, until you tell me what you have done with the body of my boy." "You shall know in a few minutes, major. Indeed, I think it is about time that this comedy should end!" "Comedy!" echoed Mrs. Dallas, in scorn. "You mean tragedy!" "I mean no such thing," retorted Etwald, opening the door. "All true comedies end in the meeting of lovers." "Good heavens!" cried Jen, recoiling. "What do you mean?" Etwald pointed to the open door. "There is my explanation," said he, coolly. The three people gave a simultaneous cry of amazement and delight, for there, on the threshold of the room, alive and well, stood--Maurice Alymer. CHAPTER XXV. THREE LETTERS. THE FIRST LETTER OF DR. ETWALD. "Deanminster. "My dear Major Jen: