broke up. You came out here with a gentleman; you talked about the stars."
She stared a moment; then she gave her laugh. "Are you jealous of dear Vawdrey?"
"Then it was he?"
"Certainly it was."
"And how long did he stay?"
"You have it badly. He stayed about a quarter of an hour—perhaps rather more. We walked some distance; he talked about his play. There you have it all; that is the only witchcraft I have used."
"And what did Vawdrey do afterwards?"
"I haven't the least idea. I left him and went to bed."
"At what time did you go to bed?"
"At what time did you? I happen to remember that I parted from Mr. Vawdrey at ten twenty-five," said Mrs. Adney. "I came back into the salon to pick up a book, and I noticed the clock."
"In other words, you and Vawdrey distinctly lingered here from about five minutes past ten till the hour you mention?"
"I don't know how distinct we were, but
