It was not from Tracey that Laura learned the details of the Ajax Villa tragedy. Leaving Gerty in the garden with her lover, Miss Mason walked round to the house, eager to hear all that had taken place. A rumour about the murder had crept round Troy, and a few curious people were staring at the windows. But no policeman was to be seen. The inspector kept his officers on guard inside the villa, thinking, and very rightly, that the sight of a constable in the garden would provoke inquiry, and bring onlookers. Derrick wished the matter kept as quiet as possible until the arrival of Mr. Fane. The body of the unfortunate woman had been removed to one of the bedrooms, and a policeman watched at the door. Everything in the house was in the same order as it had been when entered by Mulligan, and Derrick himself took up his quarters in the White Room. Here he issued orders. "If a young lady calls to see me, let her in," he said; "but no one else is to be admitted." "Mr. Tracey, sir?" asked Mulligan, who was full of official pride. "Yes; certainly. I except him. But no one else, mind." "What about the wire to Mr. Fane, sir?" "I'll send it as soon as I get his address from the lady. Ah"--he nodded as a ring came to the door--"there she is." Laura entered the room, looking pale and discomposed, evidences of emotion of which Derrick took note. To be sure, it was natural that a girl of this tender age should be unstrung by the tragedy which had taken place, and Derrick scarcely expected to see her other than moved. But having regard to the crime, he was suspicious of all the Fane family. He admired Laura's fresh beauty, and placed a chair for her, apologising meanwhile for the disagreeable duty he had to perform. "But I am sure you will excuse me, Miss Mason," said the gallant Derrick. "I will ask as few questions as possible." "I really don't know what questions you can ask me," said Laura. "Oh, that is an easy matter, Miss Mason. However, we had better clear the ground, so that we may understand one another. It was Mr. Tracey who told me that you are the sister-in-law of Mr. Fane, and I requested him to bring you round. Is he below?" "No; I preferred to come myself. Mr. Tracey is of a very inquiring nature, and I don't want him to hear all I may have to tell you." Derrick shook his head. "I fear you will be obliged to let the whole of London hear, Miss Mason. There will be an inquest." "Must I appear at that?" "Certainly. You may be able to identify the woman." "I fear not, from the description Mr. Tracey gave of her."