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TRENT'S LAST CASE.

'There may be nothing in it,' Trent said dubiously. 'Any one in the house, of course, might have such a diary without your having seen it. But I didn't much expect you would be able to identify the leaves–in fact, I should have been surprised if you had.'

He stopped speaking as Mrs. Manderson came towards them. 'My uncle thinks we should be going now,' she said.

'I think I will walk on with Mr. Bunner,' Mr. Cupples said as he joined them. 'There are certain business matters that must be disposed of as soon as possible. Will you come on with these two gentlemen, Mabel? We will wait for you before we reach the place.'

Trent turned to her. 'Mrs. Manderson will excuse me, I hope,' he said. 'I really came up this morning in order to look about me here for some indications I thought I might possibly find. I had not thought of attending the–the court just yet.'

She looked at him with eyes of perfect candour. 'Of course, Mr. Trent. Please do exactly as you wish. We are all relying upon you. If you will wait a few moments, Mr. Marlowe, I shall be ready.'