That was another trait of Curtis's.

He had learnt long ago to select the ablest among his adversaries, and watch that man's face.

Mere impassivity supplied no real cloak, for Curtis, in his time, had dealt with Chinese mandarins whose countenances betrayed no more expression than a carved ivory mask.
"But it was de Courtois who meant to marry Lady Hermione ?" persisted Steingall.
"That remains to be seen.

The person who did marry her signed himself John Delancy Curtis." Instantly the detective turned to Otto Schmidt.
"It will assist the inquiry if you tell us whether or not such a marriage, if it took place under the assumed conditions, that is, by use of a marriage license not intended for one of the parties, is legal," he said.
"I have no doubt whatever that, in the circumstances, the courts will find it to be illegal," was the answer.
"What circumstances ?" "That the lady quitted her supposed husband as soon as she discovered the fraud which had been practised on her." Steingall weighed the point for a moment.
"I see," he nodded.

"If she refused to remain with him, the marriage would be declared void.