And at the very first glance I felt my head swim and my heart throb violently.

For the paper was headed: "Evidence respecting the Thumbograph," and in every one of the five small "e's" that occurred in that sentence I could see plainly by the strong out-door light a small break or interval in the summit of the loop.
I was thunderstruck.
One coincidence was quite possible and even probable; but the two together, and the second one of so remarkable a character, were beyond all reasonable limits of probability.

The identification did not seem to admit of a doubt, and yet-- "Our legal adviser appears to be somewhat preoccupied," remarked Juliet, with something of her old gaiety of manner; and, in fact, though I held the paper in my hand, my gaze was fixed unmeaningly on an adjacent lamp-post.

As she spoke, I pulled myself together, and, scanning the paper hastily, was fortunate enough to find in the first paragraph matter requiring comment.
"I observe, Mrs.Hornby," I said, "that in answer to the first question, 'Whence did you obtain the "Thumbograph" ?' you say, 'I do not remember clearly; I think I must have bought it at a railway bookstall.' Now I understood that it was brought home and given to you by Walter himself." "That was what I thought," replied Mrs.Hornby, "but Walter tells me that it was not so, and, of course, he would remember better than I should." "But, my dear aunt, I am sure he gave it to you," interposed Juliet.
"Don't you remember?
It was the night the Colleys came to dinner, and we were so hard pressed to find amusement for them, when Walter came in and produced the 'Thumbograph.'" "Yes, I remember quite well now," said Mrs.Hornby.

"How fortunate that you reminded me.