Without absolutely declining to pay the money, the two offices (acting in concert) decided on sending a commission of inquiry to Venice, 'for the purpose of obtaining further information.' Mr.Troy received the earliest intelligence of what was going on.

He wrote at once to communicate his news to Agnes; adding, what he considered to be a valuable hint, in these words: 'You are intimately acquainted, I know, with Lady Barville, the late Lord Montbarry's eldest sister.

The solicitors employed by her husband are also the solicitors to one of the two insurance offices.

There may possibly be something in the report of the commission of inquiry touching on Ferrari's disappearance.

Ordinary persons would not be permitted, of course, to see such a document.