"They told me that it was you who first discovered her," she said falteringly, her eyes overflowing with tears. "Tell me how it all happened." "There is very little to tell," he responded. "I found her lying on the road dead, and went at once for the doctor and the police." "But what were you doing in Cross Lane?" she inquired. "I went out to meet you as we had arranged." "But surely you knew that I could not meet you," she exclaimed, looking at him quickly. "How could I?" "I sent you a letter telling you that my father had an unexpected visitor, and that we must therefore postpone our meeting until this evening." "A letter!" he cried, puzzled. "I have only this moment left the Court, and no letter has yet arrived." "But I gave it to Nelly to post before half-past twelve yesterday morning, therefore you should have received it at five. She must have forgotten to post it." "Evidently," he said. "But have you yet ascertained why she went down Cross Lane? To the police the fact of her having ridden down there in preference to the high road is an enigma." "No. According to the inquiries already made it has been ascertained that she went to Talmey's at Burghfield, purchased some silk, and had returned nearly to Stratfield Mortimer when she suddenly turned, went back about half a mile, and then entered Cross Lane. She was seen to turn by two labourers coming home from their work on Sim's Farm." "She was alone, I suppose?" "Entirely," Liane answered. "Like myself, she had no horror of tramps. I've ridden along these roads at all hours of the day and night, and have never been once molested." "The tragedy was no doubt enacted in broad daylight, for the sun had not quite set when, according to the doctor, she must have been shot while riding. Have you any idea that she had incurred the animosity of anybody?" "No; as you well know, she was of a most amicable disposition. As far as I am aware, she had not a single enemy in the world." "A secret lover perhaps," George suggested. "No, not that I am aware of. She had no secrets from me. Since we came to England she has never spoken of any man with admiration." "Then abroad she had an admirer? Where?" "In Nice. Charles Holroyde, a rich young Englishman, who was staying last winter at the Grand Hotel, admired her very much." "And you were also living in Nice at the time?" "Yes." "Do you know his address in England?" he inquired. "No. Nelly may have done, but I did not. I met him with her on the Promenade several times, and he seemed very pleasant and amusing. The diamond brooch she wore he gave her as a present last carnival." "Now that I recollect," George exclaimed, "she was not wearing that brooch when I discovered her." "No," answered his well-beloved. "Strangely enough, that has been stolen, although no attempt was made to take the watch and bunch of charms she wore in her blouse." "Are the police aware of that?"