"Have you any of these envelopes?" asked Muller. But Johann told
him that in spite of his usual carelessness in such matters,
Professor Fellner never allowed these letters to lie about his room.

Finally the detective came out with the question to which he had
been leading up. "Did your master ever receive visits from ladies?

Johann looked extremely stupid at this moment. His lack of
intelligence and a certain crude sensitiveness in his nature made
him take umbrage at what appeared to him a very unnecessary question.
He answered it with a shake of the head only. Muller smiled at the
young man's ill-concealed indignation and paid no attention to it.

"Your master has been here for about a year. Where was he before
that?"

"In the capital."

"You were in his service then?"

"I have been with him for three years."

"Did he know any ladies in his former home?"

"There was one - I think he was engaged to her."

"Why didn't he marry her?"

"I don't know."