client's awakening. Four days ago, he learned the truth; he learned that
he was being deceived!"

"Deceived!"

"Mrs. Vernon, thoroughly exhausted with irregular living, announced
that she was about to resort once more to the healing breezes of the
heather-land"--Mr. Debnam was thoroughly warming to his discourse and
thoroughly enjoying his own dusty phrases.

"Interrupting you for a moment," said the inspector, "at what intervals
did these visits take place?"

"At remarkably regular intervals, Inspector: something like six times a
year."

"For how long had Mrs. Vernon made a custom of these visits?"

"Roughly, for two years."

"Thank you. Will you go on, sir?"

"She requested Mr. Vernon, then, on the last occasion to give her a
check for eighty pounds; and this he did, unquestioningly. On Thursday,
the second of September, she left for Scotland"...

"Did she take her maid?"

"Her maid always received a holiday on these occasions; Mrs. Vernon
wired her respecting the date of her return."