Save for two sprays of forget-me-nots upon the sleeves it was perfectly plain and was innocent of lace or embroidery.
"It was found round his body, and here are the handkerchiefs." He pointed to two tiny squares of linen, so discoloured as to be hardly recognisable.
Tarling lifted the flimsy garment, with its evidence of the terrible purpose for which it had been employed, and carried it to the light.
"Are there laundry marks ?" "None whatever," said the Commissioner.
"Or on the handkerchiefs ?" "None," replied Mr.Cresswell.
"The property of a girl who lived alone," said Tarling.

"She is not very well off, but extremely neat, fond of good things, but not extravagant, eh ?" "How do you know that ?" asked the Commissioner, surprised.
Tarling laughed.
"The absence of laundry marks shows that she washes her silk garments at home, and probably her handkerchiefs also, which places her amongst the girls who aren't blessed with too many of this world's goods.

The fact that it is silk, and good silk, and that the handkerchiefs are good linen, suggests a woman who takes a great deal of trouble, yet whom one would not expect to find over-dressed.

Have you any other clue ?" "None," said the Commissioner.

"We have discovered that Mr.Lyne had rather a serious quarrel with one of his employees, a Miss Odette Rider----" Tarling caught his breath.