interview will take place in the dining room,
and can easily get you into the butler's room adjoining, where William
sleeps; this room was arranged with a view to the overlooking of the
dining room, and plate closet, as you discovered for yourself; from
there you can both hear and see."

"So much the better." Then admiringly, he added, "Miss Wardour you are a
splendid ally; you have thought of everything."

She laughed; then answered with artful frankness: "I am trying to get
back into my normal condition. I have been out of balance somehow, ever
since this business commenced; have been as testy as an old woman of
eighty. It is time I began to redeem myself. But I must not detain you.
I see you begin to look uneasy. Until to-morrow, I commend you to the
tender mercies of Simon and the cook."

"I wonder how that man looks, devoid of all disguise," mused she, after
he had withdrawn. "I don't believe he is tow-haired and freckled by
nature. I wonder what has become of poor Sybil's letter; and if I had
better ask his aid in finding it. But he is going away so soon. Now that
I reflect, soberly, what motive could Doctor Heath possibly have for
taking that letter? I think I must have been mad, or in hysteria. The
man may be an imposter, a man of mystery, and all that; but why must I
accuse him of taking a letter that could be of no possible use to him. I
had worked myself into a rage. Well, it's done; I can't recall it.
Doctor Heath will think me a vixen, and why not? What is Doctor Heath's
opinion to me?"

What, indeed!

CHAPTER IX.

DEDUCTIONS OF DETECTIVE NUMBER TWO.

The fates seemed propitious on Monday morning. The day dawned fair and
balmy, and Constance arose, feeling refreshed and like her own serene
self once more.

The events of the two previous days no longer seemed to her imagination
a chaotic disturbing mass of tribulations; they had arranged themselves
in their proper order, been reviewed sensibly, and assigned their
rightful places, as things to be overcome, or overlooked, as the case
might be.

Mrs. Aliston, too, at once discreet and talkative, was in fine spirits,
and the two, having ascertained the precise time when Private Detective
Belknap might be expected to make his report, had breakfasted
comfortably, stowed away Mr. Bathurst, according to previous
arrangement, and were now calmly awaiting the coming man.

They had not long to wait. Mr. Belknap, ushered in by Nelly, found the
ladi