“And when did he return to England, for I understand he has been abroad until lately?” “On Thursday morning. I met him at the Mahl Stick Club an hour or two after his return from Paris.” “Now, sir, one other question, and the last. The girl, I understand, told you that she was married, and refused to say to whom. I have had an opportunity of examining the wedding-ring from her finger. Somewhat to my surprise, I found that it was of Austrian make. Now, how does it come about that a girl living in Naples should be married with an Austrian wedding-ring? It was, moreover, an expensive one. What I want to know is, was the young woman ever in Vienna?” “Never, to the best of my belief,” said Godfrey. “At any rate she never told me so.” “Now, sir, there’s one point I want to clear up, and when I have done that, I sha’n’t be at all certain that I haven’t got the key to the whole mystery. Is it only a singular coincidence, do you think, that Teresina Cardi, your old model, wore a wedding-ring of Austrian make, and that the box in which her hands were sent to you the other day should bear the label of a well-known Vienna firm?” He chuckled and rubbed his hands together, as he put this question to Godfrey. “It certainly seems singular,” said the latter; “but why should not the ring have been purchased in Naples, even if it were of Austrian make?” “There is not the least reason why it should not, but the coincidence is worth remarking. Now, sir, I shall leave you to think over what I have said. I shall telegraph to Naples and Vienna, and meanwhile endeavour to find out who it was handed the box in at Euston. Allow me to wish you good-day, gentlemen.” They returned his salutations, after which he went away, leaving one little ray of hope behind him. “A most remarkable man that!” said Codey, appreciatively, when the door was once more closed. “He will follow the trail now like a sleuth-hound. In the meantime, Mr. Henderson, I can not promise you anything very hopeful for to-morrow. I shall apply to the magistrate for a remand in order to give Burrell more time to look about him. I shall keep in touch with him, you may be sure. I have retained Alfred Rolland as counsel for you. He and I have often worked together, and I don’t think you could have a better man.” “I place myself in your hands unreservedly,” said Godfrey. “Do whatever you think best, and spare no expense. I have others besides myself to think of in this matter.” “You have indeed, poor souls!” said Sir Vivian. “I shall go down to-night, and try to reassure them, and come up again first thing in the morning.”