mystification as he read it.

To my surprise he did not question Florence Lloyd immediately,
but turned again to the maid.

"At what time did your mistress go to her room last evening?"

"At about ten o'clock, sir. I was waiting there for her, and so
I am sure."

"Did she at once retire?"

"No, sir. She changed her evening gown for a teagown, and then
said she would sit up for an hour or so and write letters, and I
needn't wait."

"You left her then?"

"Yes, sir."

"Did Miss Lloyd wear any flowers at dinner last evening?"

"No, sir. There were no guests--only the family."

"Ah, quite so. But did she, by chance, pin on any flowers after
she went to her room?"

"Why, yes, sir; she did. A box of roses had come for her by a
messenger, and when she found them in her room, she pinned one on
the lace of her teagown."