Mr. Troy addressed himself once more to Lady Lydiard. "Did your Ladyship
take the letter into the next room with you?"

"I was too much alarmed to think of it, Mr. Troy. I left it here, on the
table."

"With the envelope open?"

"Yes."

"How long were you absent in the other room?"

"Half an hour or more."

"Ha!" said Mr. Troy to himself. "This complicates it a little." He
reflected for a while, and then turned again to Moody. "Did any of the
servants know of this bank-note being in her Ladyship's possession?"

"Not one of them," Moody answered.

"Do you suspect any of the servants?"

"Certainly not, sir."

"Are there any workmen employed in the house?"

"No, sir."

"Do you know of any persons who had access to the room while Lady