“Though he departed voluntarily, your husband did not go intentionally with another woman,” Nick explained. “He was lured away by her, thinking her to be you, Mrs. Waldmere, and detecting no difference in the two costumes. You were likewise lured to the second floor of the house by the forged note given to you, in order to preclude your seeing and preventing the subterfuge that deceived your husband.” “That undoubtedly explains it, Nick,” said Mr. Carrington. “And all this was evidently accomplished by two persons who, in some way, obtained the invitation cards of Mr. and Mrs. Ringold, and also prevented their coming here to-night.” “Oh, my! this is terrible,” said Mollie, with lips quivering. “I cannot help feeling alarmed, Mr. Carter.” “I will take the case and sift it to the bottom,” Nick assured her. “You suspect no person, of course, of having designs upon Mr. Waldmere?” “No, indeed!” “Nor know of any reason for such?” “I have not the slightest suspicion.” “I see you have a telephone here,” said Nick, with a glance at Mr. Carrington. “Let me try to get the Ringolds and see what I can learn.” “Do so, Carter, by all means.” “I am sure they have a telephone,” said Mollie. “I frequently talk with Clara.” Nick looked up the number, but he tried in vain for several minutes to get a response. All he could obtain was that of the exchange operator: “They do not answer.” “There must be a reason for this,” said Nick, replacing the receiver. “They ought to hear the repeated ringing of a telephone bell, even if they are abed.” “What’s to be done?” asked Mollie anxiously. “I am trying to be calm, Mr. Carter, but I am frightfully disturbed.” Nick came to an abrupt determination. “I will go to Brooklyn and see what can be learned,” he replied. “In the meantime, Mrs. Waldmere, you must go home and wait until you hear from me.” “When will that be?” “I will telephone to you as soon as I return from Brooklyn. I then shall go to my residence, from which I will ring you up. Chick will remain here, Mr. Carrington, until your guests have departed. I think there will be nothing more wrong.” “This is bad enough, Carter, Heaven knows,” was the grave reply. “Oh, it may not prove as serious as you apprehend, not serious at all, perhaps,” Nick said lightly, though chiefly to encourage the woman. “Well, well, I hope not.” “Do nothing more about it, nor say anything to others,” Nick repeated. “Leave the matter entirely to me. I will do all that can be done with the case, and will lose no time in doing it.” Mollie Waldmere thanked him feelingly, then went to make her preparations for returning home. Mr. Carrington detained the detective for a moment, asking gravely: “Tell me frankly, Carter, what do you think of this? Do not deceive me.”