"You did!" and Anita's flower face turned rosy pink and her blue eyes blazed with an intensity that Pauline's dark ones could never match. "Be careful, Pauline Stuart, or I shall tell what _I_ know! You _dare_ to make up such a story! It was _I_ who saw _you_ come from your aunt's room at a late hour! What have you to say now?" "Nothing--to you," and Pauline swept from the room and returned slowly down the stairway to the second floor. The sight of two police officers in the hall gave her a sudden start. How had they appeared, so soon? And how dreadful to see them in the palatial home that had heretofore housed only gentle-mannered aristocrats and obsequious liveried servants! The men looked ill at ease as they stood against the rich background of tapestry hangings and tropical palms, but their faces showed a stern appreciation of their duty, and they looked at Pauline with deferential but acute scrutiny. Not noticing them in any way, the girl, her head held high, went straight to her aunt's room. Sergeant Flake was in charge, and he refused her admission. "Coroner's orders, ma'am," he said; "he'll be here himself shortly, and then you can see him." "Come away, Pauline," and Haviland appeared and took her by the arm; "where's Anita?" "I left her in Estelle's room. Oh Gray, that girl----" "Hush!" and gripping her firmly, Haviland led her to a small sitting room and shut the door. "Now listen, Pauline; mind what I say. Don't give the least bit of information or express the slightest notion of opinion except to the chief authorities. And not to them until they ask you. This is a terrible affair, and a mighty strange one." "Who did it, Gray?" "Never you mind. Don't even ask questions. The very walls have ears!" "Who upset that breakfast tray?" "Estelle, of course." "She says she didn't." "She lies. Everybody will lie; why, Pauline, you must lie yourself." "I won't do it! I have no reason to!" "You may find that you have. But, at least, Pauline, I beg of you, that you will keep your mouth shut. There will be developments soon,--there must be,--and then we will know what to do." The two returned to the boudoir. At first glance it seemed to be full of men. The beautiful room, with its ornate but harmonious furnishings and appointments of the Marie Antoinette period, was occupied with eager representatives of the law and justice hunting for any indication of the ruthless hand that had felled the owner of all that elegance. Coroner Scofield was receiving the report of Doctor Moore, who had arrived with him. Dr. Moore agreed with Dr. Stanton that the deceased had been struck with a heavy weapon that had fractured the skull, but he admitted the wounds showed some strange conditions which could only be explained by further investigation. The Coroner was deep in thought as he studied the face of the dead woman.