To put it with my customary dash of humor--her face informed me that the most sensible action which Michael Vanstone, Esq., formerly of Zurich, had ever achieved in his life was the action he performed at Brighton on the 29th instant.
Finding the dead silence in the room singularly unpleasant under existing circumstances, I thought I would make a remark.

My regard for my own interests supplied me with a subject.

I mentioned the Entertainment.
"After what has happened," I said, "I presume we go on with our performances as usual ?" "No," she answered, behind the veil.

"We go on with my inquiries." "Inquiries after a dead man ?" "Inquiries after the dead man's son." "Mr.Noel Vanstone ?" "Yes; Mr.Noel Vanstone." Not having a veil to put down over my own face, I stooped and picked up the newspaper.

Her devilish determination quite upset me for the moment.
I actually had to steady myself before I could speak to her again.
"Are the new inquiries as harmless as the old ones ?" I asked.
"Quite as harmless." "What am I expected to find out ?" "I wish to know whether Mr.Noel Vanstone remains at Brighton after the funeral." "And if not ?" "If not, I shall want to know his new address wherever it may be." "Yes.