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Updated: June 5, 2025
They found Miss Tredworth on the lawn. "I am waiting for Edith," she said. "We'll stroll on and Gifford can bring Miss Morriston after us," Kelson suggested, and the lovers moved away, leaving Gifford, much to his satisfaction, waiting for Edith Morriston. In a few minutes she made her appearance. Gifford mentioned the arrangement and they strolled off by the path the others had taken.
I have asked him to luncheon to-morrow, and we shall be delighted if you and Kelson will join us as a preliminary to a personally conducted tour of the house. Charlie Tredworth and his sister are coming over for a week's stay, so we shall be quite a respectable party." Naturally Kelson accepted the invitation with alacrity, and Gifford could do no less than fall in with the arrangement.
"I understand you are quite unable to account for the stains on your dress, Miss Tredworth?" he asked in a tone of courteous insistence. "Quite," she answered. "I did not speak to Mr. Henshaw or even notice him in the ball-room." "You had pardon these questions; I am putting this in your own interest you had at no time any acquaintance with Mr. Clement Henshaw?"
I am as convinced as you can be that Miss Tredworth knew nothing of the business." "On your honour that is your opinion?" "On my honour." "This new discovery has changed your opinion?" "It has at least shown me how dangerous it may be to jump to conclusions." Kelson drew in a breath. "Yes, indeed. Poor Muriel has suffered from the suspicion as well as from the horrible shock of the discovery.
It would doubtless by this time have become a subject of gossip and speculation in the household and consequently would very soon become public. Accordingly it was arranged that Kelson should arrive first and have a private interview with Muriel Tredworth with a view to ascertaining finally and for certain whether she could in any way account for the stain on her dress.
"I am sorry to seem so brutal, Harry," he said gently, "but this discovery does not surprise me." Kelson recoiled as from a blow, staring at his friend with a horror-struck face. "Why, good heavens, what do you mean?" he gasped. "Only," Gifford answered calmly, "that when you introduced me to Miss Tredworth at the dance I noticed the stains on the white flowers she wore." "You did?"
"You must give Gifford a dance," Kelson said, breaking up the rather awkward pause. "I'm afraid my card is full," Miss Tredworth said, holding it up. Kelson laughed happily. "Then he shall have one of mine." But Gifford protested. "Indeed I won't rob you, Harry," he declared. "I'm tired, and should be a stupid partner." "Tired?" Kelson remonstrated.
Otherwise this would have come to light sooner. Anyhow it is a source of congratulation to Miss Tredworth and you, Edith. Of course you must have been in here." "I remember sitting just there; ugh!" Miss Tredworth said with a shudder. "I can swear to that," Kelson corroborated with a knowing smile. "You must have done the same or brushed against the sofa, Edith," Morriston said cheerfully.
"It appears a rather extraordinary piece of evidence has just come to light; one which, if true, completely solves the mystery of the locked door. I asked Freeman if there was any objection to you fellows coming to the library and hearing the story; he is quite agreeable. So will you come? You too, Edith, and Miss Tredworth; there is nothing at all horrible in it so far."
"I wonder what these fellows have come to say," he observed as he paced the room. "Let's hope to announce that at last they are going to leave you in peace, Edith," Miss Tredworth said. Edith Morriston did not alter her position as she stood looking out of the window. "Thank you for your kind wish, Muriel," she responded in a cold voice; "but I'm afraid that is too much to hope for just yet."
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