"You mean that he had remained in the house?" corrected Perry Toat. "Oh, yes. At all events, I fancied it was Eddy; so, not wishing to get myself into trouble with Madame, as she might have asked him to stay, I went upstairs and said nothing. Next day I learnt about the murder, and both Madame and Eddy said that he had really left the house. Then I became certain that there had been a stranger in the passage." "Rosy Pearl, perhaps?" "No. She was sleeping upstairs. But you may guess that I said nothing to anyone about what I had heard and smelt." "Why did you not? It might have given Inspector Lanton a clue." Parizade shuddered. "Oh, I didn't want to be mixed up with the police. It was best, I thought, to hold my tongue. I never told anyone until you came and said you were a detective." "Well, and why did you tell me? You were frightened when I told you my profession, if I remember rightly." "Yes. But, somehow, your being a woman made it seem better. I don't mind a lady detective. Then when you told about the reward I thought I might help you and get half, so that I might marry Walter." "You shall get it, if I am successful," said Miss Toat, emphatically. "But do you really think that there was a man in the passage on that night?" "Yes, I do--near the house door that leads into the court. He escaped in that way, and I believe he murdered Lady Branwin. I could swear to it." "It will be hard to trace the criminal, male or female, by the smell of Harris tweed alone," commented Perry Toat, doubtfully. "It's a blind clue." CHAPTER XIV AN AMAZING DISCOVERY Mrs. Mellop returned from the Richmond journey in a very bad temper, as she had wholly failed to get her own way with the wary millionaire. Indeed, she was so persistent in her attentions that Branwin put an end to them by hinting very plainly that he was engaged to be married. He also gave the widow to understand that it was time she brought her visit to a close, as he wished to send Audrey abroad for a time. Mrs. Mellop offered to accompany the girl, but learnt that arrangements had been made for the young lady to stay in Paris with a French family. No wonder the widow returned almost in tears, as she saw very well that the vintage was ended, and she had gathered but few grapes. Pleading a headache, she did not appear at dinner, and it was not until the next morning that Audrey learnt about her father's new plans. They did not please her. "I shan't go abroad," she said bluntly, when Mrs. Mellop had explained matters. "Papa wishes to separate me from Ralph." "And wishes you to marry Lord Anvers," finished Mrs. Mellop, maliciously. Audrey laughed contemptuously. "I have refused Lord Anvers." "He won't take a refusal, neither will your father." "What does that matter to me?" cried the girl, passionately. "Do you think that I am going to place my happiness in Lord Anvers' hands? A man I detest with all my heart. I shall marry Ralph, and no one else."