A further surprise awaited the detective. He expected to discover that Hillington Grove was a small suburban house bearing a grandiose title. He was amazed when the cabman turned through a pair of impressive gates, and drove up a wide drive of some considerable length, turning eventually on to a gravelled space before a large mansion. It was hardly the kind of home he would have expected for the parent of a cashier at Lyne's Store, and his surprise was increased when the door was opened by a footman. He was ushered into a drawing-room, beautifully and artistically furnished. He began to think that some mistake had been made, and was framing an apology to the mistress of the house, when the door opened and a lady entered. Her age was nearer forty than thirty, but she was still a beautiful woman and carried herself with the air of a grand dame. She was graciousness itself to the visitor, but Tarling thought he detected a note of anxiety both in her mien and in her voice. "I'm afraid there's some mistake," he began. "I have probably found the wrong Mrs. Rider--I wanted to see Miss Odette Rider." The lady nodded. "That is my daughter," she said. "Have you any news of her? I am quite worried about her." "Worried about her?" said Tarling quickly. "Why, what has happened? Isn't she here?" "Here?" said Mrs. Rider, wide-eyed. "Of course she is not." "But hasn't she been here?" asked Tarling. "Didn't she arrive here two nights ago?" Mrs. Rider shook her head. "My daughter has not been," she replied. "But she promised to come and spend a few days with me, and last night I received a telegram--wait a moment, I will get it for you." She was gone a few moments and came back with a little buff form, which she handed to the detective. He looked and read: "My visit cancelled. Do not write to me at flat. I will communicate with you when I reach my destination." The telegram had been handed in at the General Post Office, London, and was dated nine o'clock--three hours, according to expert opinion, before the murder was committed! CHAPTER VII THE WOMAN IN THE CASE "May I keep this telegram?" asked Tarling. The woman nodded. He saw that she was nervous, ill at ease and worried. "I can't quite understand why Odette should not come," she said. "Is there any particular reason?" "That I can't say," said Tarling. "But please don't let it worry you, Mrs. Rider. She probably changed her mind at the last moment and is staying with friends in town." "Then you haven't seen her?" asked Mrs. Rider anxiously. "I haven't seen her for several days." "Is anything wrong?" Her voice shook for a second, but she recovered herself. "You see," she made an attempt to smile. "I have been in the house for two or three days, and I have seen neither Odette nor--nor anybody else," she added quickly.