ot even seen develop, at something
as strange, unusual and remote as any phantasm, yet distinct enough in
its outlines for me to get a decided impression of a square of light
surrounding the figure of a man in a peculiar pose not easily imagined
and not easily described. It all passed in an instant, and I sat staring
at the window opposite me with the feeling of one who has just seen
a vision. Yet almost immediately I forgot the whole occurrence in my
anxiety as to Mr. Durand's whereabouts. Certainly he was amusing himself
very much elsewhere or he would have found an opportunity of joining
me long before this. He was not even in sight, and I grew weary of the
endless menu and the senseless chit chat of my companion, and, finding
him amenable to my whims, rose from my seat at table and made my way to
a group of acquaintances standing just outside the supper-room door. As
I listened to their greetings some impulse led me to cast another glance
down the hall toward the alcove. A man--a waiter--was issuing from it in
a rush. Bad news was in his face, and as his eyes encountered those of
Mr. Ramsdell, who was advancing hurriedly to meet him, he plunged down
the steps with a cry which drew a crowd about the two in an instant.

What was it? What had happened?

Mad with an anxiety I did not stop to define, I rushed toward this group
now swaying from side to side in irrepressible excitement, when suddenly
everything swam before me and I fell in a swoon to the floor.

Some one had shouted aloud

"Mrs. Fairbrother has been murdered and her diamond stolen! Lock the
doors!"

II. THE GLOVES

I must have remained insensible for many minutes, for when I returned to
full consciousness the supper-room was empty and the two hundred guests
I had left seated at table were gathered in agitated groups about the
hall. This was what I first noted; not till afterward did I realize my
own situation. I was lying on a couch in a remote corner of this same
hall and beside me, but not looking at me, stood my lover, Mr. Durand.

How he came to know my state and find me in the general disturbance I
did not stop to inquire. It was enough for me at that moment to look up
and see him so near. Indeed, the relief was so great, the sense of his
protection so comforting that I involuntarily stretched out my hand in
gratitude toward him, but, failing to attract his attention, slipped to
the floor and took my stand at his side. This roused him and