ssage came. In all likelihood she had
decided that the matter could wait after all, but in his present
restless mood Roger did not find this explanation satisfactory.
Besides, he was unreasonably displeased by the fact that Holliday had
given Esther a lift when she left. There was no reason why he
shouldn't have done so, yet the fact remained that to Roger the mere
suggestion seemed a piece of impudent effrontery. What was the fellow
up to? Roger bitterly resented Arthur Holliday. He resented his
dashing back post-haste for the funeral, it was too officious. Therese
had said during that memorable interview which Esther had interrupted
that her lover was gone, that she had sent him away. Yet here he was
back again, walking about as if he owned the place, almost before the
old man's body was cold. And now he had taken Esther away, no one
could say where! It was too much for human endurance.

When at eight o'clock Chalmers came up bringing him some dinner on a
tray, Roger questioned him closely. What exactly had Miss Rowe said?

"Only that I was to wake you at once, sir, and tell you wanted to see
you--that it was very important."

"How did she seem to you?"

"Why, sir, very excited, as if she was upset about something. She was
just coming out of the cloak-room, sir, which made me think perhaps she
had been telephoning, but I may be wrong."

Roger pondered this information, but could make nothing of it. He
resumed frowningly:

"I suppose you have no idea why she went off so suddenly, have you,
Chalmers?"

"Why, no, sir, I was very much surprised myself. Almost as surprised
as I was when I heard ..."

He did not finish the sentence, and looked sorry he spoken.

"Go on, Chalmers, what were you about to say?"

"Oh, it was nothing, sir, not of the least consequence," returned the
old man, embarrassed. "Only women's gossip, sir, and Frenchwomen's
gossip at that."

Roger looked at him keenly.

"Never mind, I must insist on your telling me what it was you heard, if
it has the least bearing on Miss Rowe."

"I'd rather not, sir. I'm extremely sorry I mentioned it. It was a
slip, sir."

"Chalmers, you can't say that much without telling me the rest, so go
ahead."

"Very good, sir, though I hope you won't attach any importance to it,
sir. It seems that one of the maids--Marie it was, sir--went out to
post a letter at about half-past five. Coming back she met the
Captain's car..."

"Yes, go on.