n, talking with that
woman some time before--a long time before--she was attacked for her
diamond and murdered?"

"Pardon me, my dear, he was the last one seen talking to her. Some
one may yet be found who went in after he came out, but as yet he is
considered the last. Mr. Ramsdell himself told me so."

"It makes no difference," I exclaimed, in all the heat of my
long-suppressed agitation. "I am willing to stake my life on his
integrity and honor. No man could talk to me as he did early this
evening with any vile intentions at heart. He was interested, no doubt,
like many others, in one who had the name of being a captivating woman,
but--"

I paused in sudden alarm. A look had crossed my uncle's face which
assured me that we were no longer alone. Who could have entered so
silently? In some trepidation I turned to see. A gentleman was standing
in the doorway, who smiled as I met his eye.

"Is this Miss Van Arsdale?" he asked.

Instantly my courage, which had threatened to leave me, returned and I
smiled.

"I am," said I. "Are you the inspector?"

"Inspector Dalzell," he explained with a bow, which included my uncle.

Then he closed the door.

"I hope I have not frightened you," he went on, approaching me with a
gentlemanly air. "A little matter has come up concerning which I mean to
be perfectly frank with you. It may prove to be of trivial importance;
if so, you will pardon my disturbing you. Mr. Durand--you know him?"

"I am engaged to him," I declared before poor uncle could raise his
hand.

"You are engaged to him. Well, that makes it difficult, and yet, in some
respects, easier for me to ask a certain question."

It must have made it more difficult than easy, for he did not proceed to
put this question immediately, but went on:

"You know that Mr. Durand visited Mrs. Fairbrother in the alcove a
little while before her death?"

"I have been told so."

"He was seen to go in, but I have not yet found any one who saw him come
out; consequently we have been unable to fix the exact minute when
he did so. What is the matter, Miss Van Arsdale? You want to say
something?"

"No, no," I protested, reconsidering my first impulse. Then, as I met
his look, "He can probably tell you that himself. I am sure he would not
hesitate."

"We shall ask him later," was the inspector's response. "Meanwhile, are
you ready to assure me that since that time he has not intrusted you
with a little article to keep--No, no