doesn't know, and doesn't bother."

"I used to claim some acquaintances here, but I have lost track of
them for years," she said. "In any event, I shall have more than
enough to occupy my mind today. The inquest opens at three o'clock,
and I must face the ordeal of identifying Edith's body. The detective
told me that this should be done by a relation, while the only other
person who could act-- Ann Rogers-- has been nearly out of her mind
since yesterday morning."

"Where are you staying?"

She mentioned a small hotel in the West End.

"I used to go there with my people when I was a girl," she added,
sadly.

"Then I'll get my sister to call. You'll like her. She's a jolly good
sort, and a chat with another woman will be far more beneficial than
the society of detectives and lawyers and such-like strange fowl. Keep
your spirits up, Miss Beale. Nothing that you can say or do now will
restore the life so cruelly taken, but you and I, each in our own way,
can strive to bring the murderer to justice. I am convinced that a
distinct step in that direction will be taken this very day. You can
count on seeing or hearing from me as soon as possible after I have
discussed matters with Mr. Forbes. Meanwhile, don't forget to have a
lawyer representing you at the inquest."

They parted as though they were friends of long standing. Theydon was
genuinely sorry for this gray-haired woman's plight, and she evidently