He was a keener observer of character than the policeman had proved himself to be; and so, despite the suspicious circumstances which had awakened that worthy's doubts, Inspector Murray recognized in his visitor a lady of rank. He arose to receive her and handed her a chair, and then seated himself and respectfully waited for her to open her business. Lady Vincent felt so much embarrassed that it was some time before she spoke. At length, however, she took courage to say: "My errand here is a very painful one, sir." The inspector bowed and looked attentive. "Indeed it is of so strange and distressing a nature that I scarcely know how to explain it," she said. "I beg you will feel no hesitation in making your communication, madam. We are accustomed to receive strange and distressing complaints." "Sir," said Claudia, gently preparing the way, "you have not failed, then, in the course of your professional experience, to observe that crime is not an inmate of the houses of the impoverished and the degraded only, but that it may be found in the mansions of the rich and the palaces of the nobility." "Without a doubt, madam." "Then you will be the less shocked when I inform you that the circumstances which have driven me to seek your aid occurred recently in Castle Cragg, in the family of Lord Vincent." "It is not the murder that was lately committed there to which you allude?" gravely inquired the inspector. "Oh, no, not that murder; but I greatly fear there has been another one," replied Claudia, with a shudder. "Madam!" exclaimed the inspector, in astonishment. "I fear it is as I have hinted, sir," persisted Claudia. "But who has been murdered?" "I suspect that a harmless old female servant, named Katie Mortimer who became aware of a dangerous secret, has been." "And--by whom?" "I fear by a woman called Faustina Dugald and a man named Alick Frisbie." Now, it is very difficult to surprise or startle an inspector of police. But Mr. Murray was really more than surprised or startled. He was shocked and appalled, as his countenance betrayed when he dropped his pen and fell back in his chair. "Madam," he said, "do you know what you are saying?" "Full well, sir; and I entreat you to receive my statement in detail and act upon it with promptitude. Your own investigations will discover how much cause I have for my suspicions," said Claudia firmly. The inspector drew some writing paper before him, took up his pen, and said: "Proceed, madam, if you please." Claudia commenced her statement, but was almost immediately interrupted by the inspector, who said: "Your name, madam, if you please." Claudia started and blushed at her own forgetfulness; though, in truth, it had never occurred to her to introduce herself by name to an inspector of police. Now, however, she perceived how necessary it was that her name should attend her statement. "I am Lady Vincent," she replied.