CHAPTER VII.
THE WOMAN IN THE CASE "May I keep this telegram ?" asked Tarling.
The woman nodded.

He saw that she was nervous, ill at ease and worried.
"I can't quite understand why Odette should not come," she said.

"Is there any particular reason ?" "That I can't say," said Tarling.

"But please don't let it worry you, Mrs.Rider.She probably changed her mind at the last moment and is staying with friends in town." "Then you haven't seen her ?" asked Mrs.Rider anxiously.
"I haven't seen her for several days." "Is anything wrong ?" Her voice shook for a second, but she recovered herself.

"You see," she made an attempt to smile.