"I told them you were at dinner, sir, but they said it was important." He rose with a sigh. "I hope my 'whiff of garlic' won't settle into a steady breeze. Be patient a moment, kind people." With mild wonder as to what the news might be, he took a seat at his desk and put the receiver to his ear. "Hello. Who is it?" A hurried, eager, almost breathless boyish voice responded. "Is this Dr. Serviss?" "It is." "Can you tell me where Miss Viola Lambert and her mother are?" "I cannot." By which he meant he was not empowered to do so. "I was told they left Pratt's house with you sometime this afternoon." "Have you inquired at the Courtleigh?" "No. I was so sure--" "Try either the Courtleigh or the Colorado," replied Morton, in the tone of authority. The voice then asked: "Can you tell me where Clarke's Brooklyn relatives can be found?" "I cannot. I know nothing whatever of Mr. Clarke's family." "I must find them. Clarke has committed suicide, and it is necessary to notify his friends and--" Morton's brain blurred with the force of this blow, "You don't mean it! When did it happen?" "About an hour ago. We must find the Lamberts, and if you can give us any information--" "Who are you?" "I'm a representative of _The Recorder_. Can I see you for a few minutes, Dr. Serviss?" "I am just starting for the theatre," hurriedly answered Morton, his voice as casual as he could make it; "and I fear it is impossible." "It is very important, Dr. Serviss, for Pratt has told me that you know the Lamberts and all about their relationship to Clarke. If you--" "It is quite impossible," replied Morton, with decision, and hung up the receiver. For a few moments he sat in deep thought, his mind leaping from point to point of this new complication. As he analyzed the far-reaching consequences of this tragic and terrible deed he bitterly exclaimed: "You've reached us now, Anthony Clarke! You have involved the woman you pretended to love and all her friends in a screaming sensation. Your name will be writ larger to-morrow than at any time during your whole life. You could not have hit upon a more effective revenge." The situation grew each moment more satanic. "My name will be involved quite as prominently as hers. The mother, frantic with grief and remorse, will hate me and bitterly reproach us all. She will accuse us of causing his death. But, most important of all, what will be the effect of this news on Viola's mental condition?" His thought ran to her as he had just left her radiant with hope and new-found happiness, and it seemed as though the dead man had reached a remorseless, clutching hand to regain final dominion over her. His shadow hovered in the air above her head ready to envelop her.