"I hardly think you need trouble Mr. Blake to go up-stairs," she
murmured, turning towards Mr. Gryce. "I am sure when you tell him the
curtains were torn, and the chair upset, the window open and--"

But Mr. Gryce was already on the stairs with Mr. Blake, whom this
small opposition seemed to have at once determined.

"O my God!" she murmured to herself, "who could have foreseen this."
And ignoring my presence with all the egotism of extreme agitation,
she hurried past me to the room above, where I speedily joined her.



CHAPTER III


THE CONTENTS OF A BUREAU DRAWER

Mr. Blake was standing in the centre of the room when I entered,
carelessly following with his eyes the motion of Mr. Gryce's finger
as that gentleman pointed with unwearying assiduity to the various
little details that had struck us. His hat was still in his hand,
and he presented a very formidable and imposing appearance, or so
Mrs. Daniels appeared to think as she stood watching him from the
corner, whither she had withdrawn herself.

"A forcible departure you see," exclaimed Mr. Gryce; "she had not even
time to gather up her clothes;" and with a sudden movement he stooped
and pulled out one of the bureau drawers before the eyes of his
nonchalant listener.