So the long-expected had happened at last, and the inevitable woman appeared on the scene. Dora was hardly astonished to hear of Lady Burville's connection with the crime. She had always believed that, sooner or later, the name of this woman would come into the matter. Nevertheless, it was terrible that she should have killed the wretched man with whom, in some mysterious fashion, she had been associated twenty years before. With the pearl-lettered brooch in her hand, Dora considered the position in which she was placed, the discovery she had made. "Do you think that Lady Burville really did kill him, Allen?" she asked in a hesitating voice. "Who can say?" answered Scott wearily. "I should be loath to accuse her on insufficient evidence. But look at the matter as it stands. Lady Burville fainted at the sight of Edermont; she asked me questions as to his whereabouts. On the night of the murder she visits him, as is proved by the finding of that brooch in the study. Immediately after passing her on the road I enter the house, to find Edermont dead. So far as we know, no one else was in the house on that night; so the inference must be drawn that this woman murdered your guardian. Yes," said Allen thoughtfully, "I think there is a strong case to be made out against Lady Burville." "But her motive, Allen?" expostulated Dora. "She would not commit so terrible a crime without a motive." "I cannot guess her motive, Dora. I am as ignorant of Lady Burville's connection with the dead man as--as--you are." "But, Allen," said Dora, hesitating, "was not her name mentioned by Mr. Edermont during that conversation?" "Yes. He asked me where she was staying, but he gave me no information about her. She has nothing to do with the bar to our marriage. At least, I do not think so." "Then you are not certain?" "No," said Allen in a low voice; "I cannot say that I am certain." Dora looked at him impatiently, and a sigh escaped her. Evidently he was determined to give her no clue to the unravelling of these enigmas, and what she discovered she would discover unaided. Nevertheless, she did not lose heart, but took up the burden which he had laid down. "Why did you not tell me this before, Allen?" "How could I?" he said vehemently. "By visiting the Red House on that night I was in a dangerous position. If my movements had been known, I might have not only lost what little practice I have, but have been in danger of arrest. Even now I may be called upon to exonerate myself should this man Joad speak." "Joad will not speak," said Dora quietly; "at all events, not for a week. As I said before, a great deal may be done in seven days. You must let me take away this brooch." Allen looked at her with an air of astonishment. "Why do you wish to take away the brooch?" he asked. "I'll answer that question later on. Lady Burville is not now at Hernwood Hall?"