He put several rapid questions to
the housemaid. But she could only say again that Marr's companion had
been a very common person, a very common sort of person indeed, and
flashily dressed, not at all as she--the housemaid--would care to go out
of a Sunday. Julian tipped her and left her amazed upon the dim landing.
Then he and Valentine descended the stairs. The landlord was waiting in
the passage in an attentive attitude against the wall. He seemed taken
unawares by their appearance, but his eyes immediately sought Valentine's
face, still apparently questioning it with avidity. Julian noticed this,
and recollected that the man had insisted on a likeness existing between
Marr and Valentine. Possibly that fact, although apparently unremembered,
had remained lurking in his mind, and was accountable for his own curious
deception. Or could it be that there really was some vague, fleeting
resemblance between the dead man and the living which the landlord saw
continuously, he only at moments? Looking again at Valentine he could
not believe it. No; the landlord was deceived now, as he had been in
the death-chamber above stairs.
"May we come into your room for a moment?" Julian asked the man. "I want
to put to you a few questions.
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