He began to think that some mistake had been made, and was framing an apology to the mistress of the house, when the door opened and a lady entered.
Her age was nearer forty than thirty, but she was still a beautiful woman and carried herself with the air of a grand dame.

She was graciousness itself to the visitor, but Tarling thought he detected a note of anxiety both in her mien and in her voice.
"I'm afraid there's some mistake," he began.

"I have probably found the wrong Mrs.Rider--I wanted to see Miss Odette Rider." The lady nodded.
"That is my daughter," she said.

"Have you any news of her?
I am quite worried about her." "Worried about her ?" said Tarling quickly.

"Why, what has happened?
Isn't she here ?" "Here ?" said Mrs.Rider, wide-eyed.