"I have left my bed to have a few words with you and learn if your detention here is warranted.

You are the president of this club, and the lady whose violent death in this place I have been called upon to investigate, is Miss Cumberland, your affianced wife ?" My assent, though hardly audible, was not to be misunderstood.

Drawing up a chair, he sat down and something in his manner which was not wholly without sympathy, heartened me still more, dispelling some of the cloudiness which had hitherto befogged my faculties.
"They have told me what you had to say in explanation of your presence here where a crime of some nature has taken place.

But I should like to hear the story from your own lips.

I feel that I owe you this consideration.