was to find
her way into his bedroom, the other to hold any communication with
Sartorius. This in mind, he lit a cigarette with at least an outward
show of calmness, and took his seat near the door. From here he could
see what went on in the hall, in case Therese should attempt to come
outside, and at the same time keep a quiet eye on the phlegmatic figure
of the doctor.

A dozen small incidents, hitherto scarcely noticed, recurred to him.
Moreover the disjointed words uttered by Esther as she had lain with
her head on his arm now linked themselves together to form a coherent
meaning. Could it be possible that what both doctors suggested had any
foundation in fact? It seemed unthinkable. His whole association with
the girl rose before him to assert her unimpeachable normality. And
yet there was proof that Sartorius, a physician of standing, had cast
doubts upon her sanity long before her attack upon him. The condition
he had attributed to her could so easily account for her dramatic
reappearance and her invention of a mad story of crime and persecution,
as easily as it could explain the morphia injections, self-inflicted.
His aunt had no doubt that the doctor was right in his belief; no one
had any doubt except himself--and Chalmers. In his own case his
opinion might be influenced by his love for the girl--for it was love,
there was no question in his mind now.

He heard the representatives of the police take their leave, with
voluble expressions of gratitude for the hospitality of the house. A
few minutes afterwards Chalmers came up to bring him some food and a
whisky and soda.

"No good starving yourself, sir," he whispered, setting down the tray
on a small table. "It won't help us to find out what we want to know.
Shall I bring him something too, or shall I let him have it in the
dining-room?"

Roger signified the latter, and the butler approached Sartorius with a
confidential air and formally announced that dinner was served. It was
all rather absurd, Roger thought. With a nod the doctor rose and
lumbered from the room. It was now after half past nine.

Left alone Roger found himself too disturbed to eat more than a few
mouthfuls. To his relief Chalmers returned almost at once.

"I've left Marie to look after him, sir," he said in a guarded tone,
"thinking you'd be wanting to hear the rest of what I was telling you
when we were interrupted. I know what happened with the police, sir,
for I too