the shock of my life last evening when I heard of her terrible end. It
is an extraordinary thing, seeing that we were such close neighbors,
but I believe you got the news long before I did, because I left home
early and heard nothing of what had happened till my man met me at
Waterloo in the evening."

"You have seen the-- the detectives in the meantime?"

"Yes."

"Then you will be able to tell me something definite. I have promised
to call at Scotland Yard at eleven o'clock, and the only scraps of
intelligence I have gathered are those in the papers. I would have
come to London last night, but was afraid to travel, lest I should
faint in the train. Moreover, some one in London promised to send a
detective to see me. He came, but could give no information. Indeed,
he wanted to learn certain things from me. So, after a weary night, I
caught the first train, and it occurred to me, as you lived so near,
that you might be kind enough to-- to--"

The long speech was too much for her, and her lips quivered pitifully
a second time.

"I fully understand," said Theydon sympathetically. "Now, I'm positive
you have eaten hardly anything today. Won't you let me order an egg?"

"No, please. I'll be glad of the tea, but I cannot make a meal-- yet.
Is it true that my niece was absolutely alone in her flat on Monday
night?"