"What was her name?"

"Marie. That's all I know about it."

"Was she beautiful?"

"I never saw her. The only way I knew about her was when the
Professor's friends spoke of her."

"Did he have many friends?"

"There were ever so many gentlemen whom he called his friends."

"Take me into the garden now."

"Yes, sir." Muller took his hat and coat and followed the valet
into the garden. It was of considerable size, carefully and
attractively planned, and pleasing even now when the bare twigs
bent under their load of snow.

"Now think carefully, Johann. We had a full moon last night. Don't
you remember seeing any footsteps in the garden, leading away from
the house?" asked Muller, as they stood on the snow-covered paths.

Johann thought it over carefully, then said decidedly, "No. At
least I don't remember anything of the kind. There was a strong
wind yesterday anyway, and the snow drifts easily out here. No
tracks could remain clear for long."