er--it was
conceivable that you might blurt out something.

"I found it very difficult to place Petrovska. While you were asleep, I
thought the matter over and formed an hypothesis. I put several
questions to you later, and found that a woman had visited your house
with Goldenburg. That was Lola Petrovska. Now, if she was not the veiled
woman who came later, who was? For the sake of my theory, I put her as
Lady Eileen.

"Very well. Lola and Goldenburg had visited you together. But she had
assisted you since the murder, and she was hardly likely to do that if
she was on friendly terms with the blackmailer and knew you had killed
him. So it came to my mind that you might have used her in an attempt to
get the compromising letters. And then it occurred as a remote
possibility that she might, after all, be the guilty person, but, to
assume that, it was necessary to explain away the finger-prints--for
they were not hers.

"All this led to the supposition that the dagger had been handled by
some one _after_ the crime. That person must have been Lady
Eileen--therefore she must have been the veiled woman--you see?

"But this was supposition, which a single fresh fact would destroy. I
held on to you, and Lola walked into our trap. An interview with Ivan
cleared up some of the vague points in the story, and confirmed my
theory--you will understand that I was ready to drop it the moment it
failed to fit the facts. Indeed, to make assurance more sure, I sent a
story out to the papers, which I felt sure would convey to Lady Eileen
Meredith that you were in great peril--and which, if she was guilty,
might induce her to confess to save you. It had an effect rather
different to that which I intended.

"Your clumsy attempts to take the guilt on yourself made me more sure
than ever of your innocence. This morning we laid a trap for Lola. She
was suddenly aroused out of her sleep, and I surprised her into what
amounted to an admission of guilt."

Grell rose from his chair with extended hand. "I rather believe that I
have made a fool of myself," he said. "You have done a great deal more
than you adopt credit for. I cannot thank you now, but later--I suppose
I am at liberty now. I must see Ei--Lady Eileen at once."

"You will have to give evidence at the inquest," said Thornton. "That is
all. The step this woman has taken will save us all a great deal of
trouble. Of course, what Mr. Foyle has told you is entirely
confidential."