er had an hysterical patient who declared she could not walk
and after being carried about for months has been discovered dancing a
fandango in her bedroom on the sly?"

He laughed and threw away his cigarette.

"Perhaps that's not quite a typical case, but you must have known of
many people who declare they have lost the use of one or more of their
faculties--possibly in order to gain sympathy from their friends?"

"Quite so." Anstice could not but admit the fact. "But as you say, in
these cases there is generally some definite object to be gained, even
if it is only the desire for sympathy. In this case, however, the motive
appears to be lacking, for I gather that long before the anonymous
letters began to arrive this woman had admitted her inability to handle
pen or pencil."

"Really? That complicates matters a little," said Clive thoughtfully.
"Though, of course, if the woman were a schemer it is possible she might
prepare the way, so to speak, for some time beforehand. In any case it
is an interesting problem. But I don't quite see why this
woman--supposing it to be she--? should start another campaign,
directed, this time, against you. Surely she can't want her mistress, to
whom you say she is devoted, to be suspected once more?"

"I don't know--I confess it is a problem beyond my powers to solve,"
said Anstice rather hopelessly; and Clive answered at once, with a kind
note in his voice.

"Don't say that, Dr. Anstice. All sorts of mysteries have come to light
sooner or later, you know, and it is quite on the cards this one may be
easier to solve than you think at present. At any rate, if I may give
you a word of advice, keep your eye on the Italian woman. I'll swear
those inverted commas are of foreign origin, and as a doctor you ought
to be able to find some way of penetrating through any imposition in the
way of pretence."

"Thanks," said Anstice, rather amused at this tribute to his powers.
"I'll do my best. Anyway, you have given me valuable help, and I'll
follow up this clue at once."

"Do--and let me know the result." Clive followed his visitor to the
door. "I really am genuinely interested in the case, and I shall be
pleased to hear from you how things progress."

They parted on mutually cordial terms, and an Anstice walked away he
began to feel as though, after all, this mystery might yet be solved;
though he was bound to confess that at present the introduction of
Tochatti's name merely complic