So the long-expected had happened at last, and the woman appeared on the scene. Dora was hardly astonished to hear of Lady Burville's connection with the crime. She had always believed that, sooner or later, the name of this woman would come into the matter. Nevertheless, it was terrible that she should have killed the wretched man with whom, in some mysterious fashion, she had been associated twenty years before. With the pearl-lettered brooch in her hand, Dora considered the position in which she was placed, the discovery she had made.  
"Do you think that Lady Burville really did kill him, Allen?" she asked in a hesitating voice.
 
"Who can say?" answered Scott wearily. "I should be to accuse her on evidence. But look at the matter as it stands. Lady Burville fainted at the sight of Edermont; she asked me questions as to his whereabouts. On the night of the murder she visits him, as is proved by the finding of that brooch in the study. Immediately after passing her on the road I enter the house, to find Edermont dead. So far as we know, no one else was in the house on that night; so the inference must be that this woman murdered your . Yes," said Allen thoughtfully, "I think there is a strong case to be made out against Lady Burville."
 
"But her , Allen?" expostulated Dora. "She would not commit so terrible a crime without a motive."
 
"I cannot guess her motive, Dora. I am as ignorant of Lady Burville's connection with the dead man as--as--you are."
 
"But, Allen," said Dora, hesitating, "was not her name mentioned by Mr. Edermont during that conversation?"
 
"Yes. He asked me where she was staying, but he gave me no information about her. She has nothing to do with the bar to our marriage. At least, I do not think so."
 
"Then you are not certain?"
 
"No," said Allen in a low voice; "I cannot say that I am certain."
 
Dora looked at him impatiently, and a sigh escaped her. Evidently he was to give her no clue to the of these , and what she discovered she would discover unaided. Nevertheless, she did not lose heart, but took up the burden which he had laid down.
 
"Why did you not tell me this before, Allen?"
 
"How could I?" he said . "By visiting the Red House on that night I was in a dangerous position. If my movements had been known, I might have not only lost what little practice I have, but have been in danger of arrest. Even now I may be called upon to myself should this man Joad speak."
 
"Joad will not speak," said Dora quietly; "at all events, not for a week. As I said before, a great deal may be done in seven days. You must let me take away this brooch."
 
Allen looked at her with an air of .
 
"Why do you wish to take away the brooch?" he asked.
 
"I'll answer that question later on. Lady Burville is not now at Hernwood Hall?"
 
"I believe not," replied Scott. "She returned to London, I think, shortly after the discovery of the murder of Edermont. To my mind, her sudden departure seems suspicious."
 
"On the face of it, I agree with you that it does," Dora. "But from what I have heard of the medical evidence, I doubt if Lady Burville killed Edermont--the murder was so ."
 
"You are right there. The assassin must have had brutal instincts and a strong physique. Now, Lady Burville is small and delicate, not the sort of woman capable of using that heavy knobkerrie, or striking so terrible a blow. But then, Dora," added Allen, with a puzzled air, "if Lady Burville is innocent, who is guilty? There can't have been anyone else in the house on that night."
 
"Why not? Mr. Edermont wrote letters to other people besides yourself."
 
"Do you know the names of the persons to whom he wrote?"
 
"No," replied Dora ; "he was careful to post the letters himself."
 
"But, Dora," expostulated Allen, "why should Edermont a meeting of so many people at such a late hour?"
 
"I cannot guess. The explanation may be contained in the stolen manuscript. All my guardian's actions were wrapped up in mystery, and there may be more people connected with this matter than we dream of. But this is not the point. Can I take away this brooch?"
 
"As you please," said Allen indifferently; "except to exonerate myself in your eyes, I would not have betrayed Lady Burville, murderess as I believe her to be."
 
"You would win fifty thousand pounds by doing so."
 
"Blood money!" said Scott angrily. "No, Dora; I do not wish to build up my fortunes in that way, on the ruin of others. I do not say, should Joad denounce me, that I would keep silent. One must save one's own neck if possible; but otherwise I say nothing, I do nothing. All things thought about, or done, cannot gain me your hand; the rest may go."
 
"Well, my dear Allen," said Dora, pocketing the brooch, "you refuse to tell me this secret, and I have promised not to press you. But if I can't marry you, at least I can save you."
 
"By becoming Joad's wife?"
 
"No; by seeing Lady Burville."
 
He looked at her in surprise.
 
"My dear Dora," said he after a pause, "you have no reasonable excuse for seeking an interview with Lady Burville."
 
"You have just given me an excellent excuse, Allen--the pearl brooch."
 
"But Lady Burville will know that I have betrayed her."
 
"No doubt. But I will show her that you have done so to save your own life."
 
Allen thought.
 
"What do you intend to do?" he asked .
 
"Force Lady Burville to confess her share in these mysteries."
 
"She will not do that," said Scott, shaking his head. "On the surface she is a little creature, but from what I saw of her I am inclined to believe that such a strong will."
 
"No doubt, Allen. She must be a clever and merciless woman to plan and carry out so a crime. I do not see why you should save her life at the expense of your own. Leave me to deal with her, and I'll force her to speak."
 
"Would you have her arrested for the crime?"
 
"If Joad denounces you, I shall denounce her," said Dora quietly; "but there may be no necessity for such an extreme course. Wait until I see her."
 
"But you do not know where to find her."
 
"Oh, I can get her address from her late host, Sir Hernwood."
 
And with this decision Dora took her leave.............