was gone.

Or so he thought. But when, after an interval of nameless recoil,
he rose and attempted to stagger from the place, he discovered
that she had been detained in the hall by two or three men who had
just come in by the front door.

"Is this Miss Page?" they were asking.

"Yes, I am Miss Page--Amabel Page" she replied with suave
politeness. "If you have any business with me, state it quickly,
for I am about to leave town."

"That is what we wish to prevent," declared a tall, thin young man
who seemed to take the lead. "Till the inquest has been held over
the remains of Mrs. Webb, Coroner Talbot wishes you to regard
yourself as a possible witness."

"Me?" she cried, with an admirable gesture of surprise and a wide
opening of her brown eyes that made her look like an astonished
child. "What have I got to do with it?"

"You pointed out a certain spot of blood on the grass, and--well,
the coroner's orders have to be obeyed, miss. You cannot leave the
town without running the risk of arrest"

"Then I will stay in it," she smiled. "I have no liking for
arrests," and the glint of her eye rested for a moment on
Frederick. "Mr. Sutherland," she continued, as that gentleman
appeared at the dining-room door, "I shall have to impose upon