"The will hasn't been read yet," said Miss Stuart; "we can't assume anything until that is done."

"Pshaw! you know perfectly well half of the bulk of the estate is yours and half Carr's. I have a small slice and Miss Frayne a bit. The older servants have small legacies, and there are a few charities. That, Mr. Brunt, is the gist of the will. Do you not agree with me, that as I was the man of business for the late Miss Carrington, I am justified, in the absence of Mr. Loria, in continuing my services, at least, until we can get definite directions from him?"

"Those matters are outside my province, Mr. Haviland. Miss Carrington's legal advisers will doubtless come here soon, and such things will be decided by them. Now, here's another point. I noted in the course of our investigation in the boudoir a quantity of powder fallen on the floor near the dressing table, in such relation to it that it would seem Miss Carrington was using the face powder as she sat there. Was this her habit?"

"Her habit? Yes;" said Anita, "Miss Carrington was in the habit of using face powder,--even cosmetics. It is not strange then, that such a proceeding was part of her night toilette."

"No, not at all," agreed Mr. Brunt. "But where the powder was thickest, on the hard floor, near the rug, was a muddled spot, as if some one had wiped out or swept up a mark or print. Can any of you explain this?"

No one spoke, and the stern voice went on. "I remember, Miss Stuart, that you began to say something bearing on this while we were in that room, and you suddenly stopped, appearing confused. I ask you why?"

Pauline hesitated, bit her lip, looked at Gray and then at Anita, and finally said, "I may as well tell. It is nothing. When I went to my aunt's room, and found what I did find,--I was so excited and nervous I scarce knew what I did. But I remember seeing a footprint in that powder, and in obedience to an impulsive instinct I--I obliterated it."

"With what?"

"With my handkerchief. I merely slapped at it, and the light powder flew about it."

"Why did you do this?"

"I don't know. I had no real reason. I was not thinking of what I was doing."

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