"I believe not," replied Scott. "She returned to London, I think, shortly after the discovery of the murder of Edermont. To my mind, her sudden departure seems suspicious." "On the face of it, I agree with you that it does," assented Dora. "But from what I have heard of the medical evidence, I doubt if Lady Burville killed Edermont--the murder was so brutal." "You are right there. The assassin must have had brutal instincts and a strong physique. Now, Lady Burville is small and delicate, not the sort of woman capable of using that heavy knobkerrie, or striking so terrible a blow. But then, Dora," added Allen, with a puzzled air, "if Lady Burville is innocent, who is guilty? There can't have been anyone else in the house on that night." "Why not? Mr. Edermont wrote letters to other people besides yourself." "Do you know the names of the persons to whom he wrote?" "No," replied Dora promptly; "he was careful to post the letters himself." "But, Dora," expostulated Allen, "why should Edermont convene a meeting of so many people at such a late hour?" "I cannot guess. The explanation may be contained in the stolen manuscript. All my guardian's actions were wrapped up in mystery, and there may be more people connected with this matter than we dream of. But this is not the point. Can I take away this brooch?" "As you please," said Allen indifferently; "except to exonerate myself in your eyes, I would not have betrayed Lady Burville, murderess as I believe her to be." "You would win fifty thousand pounds by doing so." "Blood money!" said Scott angrily. "No, Dora; I do not wish to build up my fortunes in that way, on the ruin of others. I do not say, should Joad denounce me, that I would keep silent. One must save one's own neck if possible; but otherwise I say nothing, I do nothing. All things thought about, or done, cannot gain me your hand; the rest may go." "Well, my dear Allen," said Dora, pocketing the brooch, "you refuse to tell me this secret, and I have promised not to press you. But if I can't marry you, at least I can save you." "By becoming Joad's wife?" "No; by seeing Lady Burville." He looked at her in surprise. "My dear Dora," said he after a pause, "you have no reasonable excuse for seeking an interview with Lady Burville." "You have just given me an excellent excuse, Allen--the pearl brooch." "But Lady Burville will know that I have betrayed her." "No doubt. But I will show her that you have done so to save your own life." Allen thought. "What do you intend to do?" he asked abruptly. "Force Lady Burville to confess her share in these mysteries." "She will not do that," said Scott, shaking his head. "On the surface she is a frivolous little creature, but from what I saw of her I am inclined to believe that such frivolity conceals a strong will."