But the
doctor knew of no means by which he could satisfy himself of Valentine's
movements on the night in question. To ask Valentine himself would be to
court a lie. Once the doctor thought for a moment of having recourse to
Wade. But then he remembered that the butler did not sleep in the flat,
and had no doubt long gone home before the event of the night in
question. So, again, he was confronted with a dead-wall, beyond which
he could see no clear view or comprehensible country.
About this time there happened an event which struck strongly upon
the doctor's mind. He was one day, as usual, in his consulting-room,
receiving a multitude of patients, when his man-servant entered with
a card on a salver.
"A lady, sir, who wishes to see you. She has no appointment."
The doctor took the card. On it was printed merely "Mrs. Wilson."
"I cannot see the lady to-day," he said, "unless she can call again after
five o'clock. But I can see her then, or to-morrow morning at ten. Ask
her which she would prefer."
After a moment's absence Lawler returned.
"The lady will come at five o'clock this evening, sir."
"Very well."
And the doctor bent his mind once more steadily upon his work.
At five o'clock the door opened, and a tall, square, and strong-looking
woman, dressed in black, walked quietly into the room.
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