Who, he asked himself repeatedly, who was this grey-haired, white-bearded man who had so often received Lydia, who had on Christmas Eve silenced Rhoda regarding Ferruci's presence in the yard, by means of the cloak, and who--it would seem--possessed the key to the whole mystery?
Rhoda could tell no more but that he had stayed six months with Mrs.
Bensusan, and had departed two days after the murder; whereby it would seem that his task having been completed, he had no reason to remain longer in so dangerous a neighbourhood.

Yet four months had elapsed since his departure, and Denzil, after some reflection, asked Mrs.
Bensusan a question or two regarding this interval.
"Has Mr.Wrent returned here since his departure ?" he demanded.
"Lawks! no, sir!" wheezed Mrs.Bensusan, shaking her head.

"I've never set eyes on him since he went.

'Ave you, Rhoda ?" Whereat the girl shook her head also, and watched Lucian with an intensity of gaze which somewhat discomposed him.
"Did he owe you any money when he went, Mrs.Bensusan ?" "No, sir.

He paid up like a gentleman.