While this dialogue was proceeding Darrel had kept his eye on the face of Vass. Although he had heard all that was said--and the words "body" and "inquest" must have piqued his curiosity--his expression was one of absolute unconcern. Only once did he betray any emotion, and that was when Leighbourne left him alone with the two strangers; but when Torry turned towards him, his face was again calm and composed. Frank wondered what could be the meaning of this well-acted comedy. "Mr. Vass," said Torry, intent upon trying the effect of a sudden surprise. "I have to inform you that your master has been murdered." Mr. Vass stepped back and threw up his hands. "Grent murdered!" he cried in a voice rendered shrill by excitement. "Great Heavens! When? Where?" "In Mortality-lane near the Strand, on Sunday morning between twelve and one o'clock. He was stabbed to the heart." The secretary received this news with unfeigned horror, and evidently having some womanish vein in his nature, burst into a fit of hysterical weeping. In spite of what he had beheld, Darrel felt his suspicions melt away before this undeniable sorrow. In his own mind he decided that whatever Vass might know, the intelligence of his master's death was new to him, and had taken him completely by surprise. Torry said nothing, but smiled approvingly when he beheld the outbreak of Vass. Perhaps the secretary perceived the composure with which his emotion was received by the strangers, and regained his nerve out of pride; but whatever was the cause, he shortly became calm, and expressed himself willing to answer any questions which might be put to him. With a sign to Darrel not to speak, Torry promptly availed himself of the offer. "The cause of Mr. Grent's death," said he, "may be found in his past life; so I wish you to tell me all you know about him. Have you been his secretary long?" "For over five years. He was the best and kindest and most generous of masters," replied Vass with much emotion. "Hm'!" said Torry, who did not put much faith in this posthumous praise: "Your master was much respected?" "Certainly. I never heard a word against him." "He was married, I believe?" "He was--to Donna Inez Sandoval, a Spanish-American lady; a native of Peru." "How was it that Mr. Grent met her?" "Ten years ago he voyaged to Peru for the sake of his health," rejoined Vass: "and I understand he met with Donna Inez at Lima. They were married there." "In a Romish Church?" "Certainly. Mr. Grent was a Roman Catholic, and his wife also." "Are there any children?" "No," said Vass, then added with some hesitation: "But Mr. Grent, finding himself childless, adopted the niece of his wife, Donna Maria Sandoval." "How old is this lady?" "Twenty years of age," replied the secretary, colouring--"and very beautiful."