ed out so tragically wrong----"

"That was not your fault." Major Carstairs' reply was decisive. "And
anyone who ventures to criticize your action proclaims himself a fool.
As for the stupid accusations in this letter, well, I should say no one
would give them a second's credence."

"Well, I did venture to hope that my few friends would not believe it,"
returned Anstice, smiling. "And if I had only myself to consider I
should not bother my head about it. But you see there is someone
else----"

"You mean Mrs. Carstairs?" His manner was suddenly brisk. "Quite so. Of
course a second series of letters would remind the neighbourhood of the
first. Well, if you can bring yourself to allow me to have that letter I
will submit it to one of those handwriting fellows----"

Anstice interrupted him abruptly.

"I've already done so. And the report of the expert I consulted--a
well-known man of the name of Clive--is that both these letters were
written by the same hand."

"Ah! And did the expert utter any further authoritative dicta on the
matter?"

"He gave me two--possible--clues." Anstice spoke slowly. "The letters
are, he says, probably written by a woman, and there is a strong
presumption in favour of that woman being a foreigner--for instance"--he
paused--"an Italian."

"An Italian?" For a second Major Carstairs looked blank. Then a ray of
light illumined his mental horizon. "I say, you're not thinking of my
wife's maid, old Tochatti, are you?"

"Well"--he spoke deliberately--"to tell you the truth, ever since Clive
suggested a foreigner, I _have_ been wondering whether the woman
Tochatti could have anything to do with the letters."

"But old Tochatti! Why, she is absolutely devoted to my wife--been with
her for years, ever since she was a child. No, believe me, Dr. Anstice,
you must write Tochatti off the list."

"Very well." Anstice mentally reserved the right to his own opinion. "As
you say, the woman certainly appears devoted both to Mrs. Carstairs and
the child. But I'm sure you will agree it is wise to leave no clue
uninvestigated in so serious a matter?"

"Quite so. And you may rest assured the matter shall be thoroughly
investigated. By the way, you said something about a train. Are you
returning to Littlefield to-night?"

"Yes. And it's time I was moving on," said Anstice, glancing at his
watch. "Shall I have the pleasure of your company on the journey?"

"Not to-night. I have one or two matters to att