doorknob, and goes on. If Vicky is as clever as I think she is,
she'll time that policeman, and sneak into the house between his
rounds. It's only a chance, you know, but you might see her."

And then I told them all I knew myself of the whole affair. And seeing
that I was deeply into the turmoil of it all, and had grave
responsibilities, Aunt Lucy withdrew all objections and sympathized
with me. Also, she was impressed with my important business
connections with the Schuyler family, and was frankly curious about
that aristocratic household. I was asked over and over again as to
their mode of living, the furniture and appointments of the house, and
the attitudes of the widow and the sisters toward each other.

It was late in the evening before I remembered some important papers
Mr. Bradbury had given me to hand to Mrs. Schuyler, and as soon as I
thought of them I telephoned to know if I might then bring them over.

"Yes," came back Ruth Schuyler's soft voice. "I wish you would. I
want to consult you about some other things also."

The interview was less trying than that of the morning had been.
Several matters of inheritance, insurance, and such things were
discussed, and Mrs. Schuyler was more composed and calm.

She looked better, too, though this was doubtless due, in part, to the
fact that she wore a white house dress which was far more becoming
than black to her colorless face and light hair.

"I don't know," she said, at length, "whether what I want to say
should be said to you or to the detective."