There could be no mistake about it. Ryder was sure enough now that Suite Three was the one he had taken for himself and his bride. White's questions the night before, Ruth's fear of the man when he had come to the door, her attempt at supper time to have private conversation with White (Mrs. Judson's interference Ryder now saw had broken up that) and various other suspicious circumstances rose in Ryder's mind in horrid procession. He staggered forward a step until he was where he could see into the parlor. He was aware that Miss Solomon's sharp face suddenly came within range of his vision; but he did not give the steely eyed house detective a second glance. His eyes were fixed on White. Besides that individual, there seemed but two other guests of the hotel in Parlor A. Cudger and James had disappeared. Two women stood talking beside one of the other doors. They were the vivacious Mrs. Judson and Mrs. Dent, the hard-featured member of the advance committee of the S.B.C.D.G. Ryder hung back. John B. White was pacing a length of rug nervously. Suddenly Ruth appeared at the door beside which the widow and her companion stood. Ryder's heart leaped at the sight of his bride. She looked as fresh and sweet as a rose. She wore a delightfully pretty house dress. She carried what was evidently White's card in her hand, and she cast a puzzled glance about the parlor. She first saw Mrs. Judson. "Good morning, Mrs. Judson," she said brightly. "I hope you are better?" Up went the widow's lorgnette. She stared Mrs. Ryder up and down without replying. Then she deliberately turned her back without speaking, much to Ruth's pain and surprise. Ryder's gorge rose. He was about to step forward to protect Ruth when the latter saw White and uttered a little cry. The man wheeled and came toward her. Did Ruth shrink from him and did she cry out in fear? "Madam, I must speak to you," White said, as Mrs. Judson and her companion left the room. "At least you owe me some reparation--some explanation. I demand that of you!" CHAPTER XVIII IT IS NO LONGER FARCE Ruth halted. Her husband, from the other end of the room, saw fear in her face--right down terror!--as she confronted the man who addressed her. Nor was this surprising. White's eyes glowed unnaturally, his long black hair was disheveled and his appearance altogether wild and uncanny. Ruth fell back from him, and Ryder heard her breath come gaspingly. Yet for the moment Ryder was spellbound and unable to go to her protection. "What--what do you want of me?" she asked faintly. "I sent for you. I must talk with you," White returned. "Sent for me?" she said in a dully puzzled tone. "Oh, no! My husband sent for me." She glanced at the card in her hand. "He--he sent me this card---- So strange----" She flashed White a suddenly indignant glance. "You have tricked me!" she cried with more force. "You have obtained one of my husband's cards----"