The article in question did not pretend to solve the mystery, but collocated the facts so as to put the case in a nutshell.
"The facts are these," said the journal, after a preliminary introduction.

"A quiet maiden lady living at Rose Cottage, Rexton, received three friends to a card-party.

Difference arising--and such things will arise amongst the best when cards are in question--two of the friends, Mrs.Herne, an old lady and life-long friend of the deceased, and Mr.Hale, a lawyer of repute and the legal adviser of Miss Loach, depart before ten o'clock.

In her evidence Mrs.Herne stated that she and Mr.Hale left at half-past nine, and her assertion was corroborated by Mr.Hale himself.

Mr.Clancy, the third friend, left at ten, being shown out by the maid Susan Grant, who then returned to the kitchen.