that he would have gone on with it when he knew my wish."

"Doubtless he did not realize how much in earnest you were on the
subject. This may well prove as impossible to understand as the
nurse's death. I do not say it will; but I suspect it will. A
perfectly healthy creature cut off in a moment and nothing to show
us why--absolutely nothing."

"A death without a cause--a negation of science surely?"

"There is a cause, but I do not think this dreadful tragedy will
reveal it," answered the doctor. "I pray it may, however, for all
our sakes," he continued. "It is impossible to say how deeply I
feel this for her, but also for you, and myself, too. He was one
of the best, a good sportsman and a good man."

"And a great loss to the Service," added Sir Walter. "I have not
considered all this means yet. My thoughts are centred on Mary."

"You must let me spare you all I can, my friend. There will be an
inquest, of course, and an inquiry. Also a post-mortem. Shall I
communicate with Dr. Mordred to-day, or would you prefer that
somebody else--"

"Somebody else. The most famous man you know. From no disrespect
to Dr. Mordred, or to you, Mannering. You understand that. But I
should like an independent examination by some great authority,
some one who knew nothing of the former case. This is an appalling
thing to happen. I don't know where to begin thinking."