“At what time did the latter appear?”

“It must have been considerably after eight o’clock, sir, when she came to the library in response to a message from Mr. Whitney.”

“And her son?”

“I did not see Mr. Walter LaGrange at all during the forenoon, sir.”

“How was that?” inquired Dr. Westlake, rather quickly.  “Was he not at Fair Oaks?”

“I cannot say, sir.  I did not see him until luncheon.”

“When did you last see Mr. Mainwaring?”

“A little after eleven o’clock night before last, — Wednesday night, sir.  I was in the hall as he passed upstairs to his rooms, and I heard him ask Mr. Scott to come to his library.”

“Did there seem to be any coldness or unpleasantness between them?”

“No, sir; they both appeared the same as usual.”

“Did any strangers call at Fair Oaks Wednesday aside from those mentioned yesterday?”

“No, sir.”

“Will you describe the strangers who were here, stating when they called and any particulars you are able to give?”

“The man giving his name as R. Hobson called between eleven and twelve, Wednesday morning.  He was tall, with thin features, small, dark eyes, and a very soft voice.  He came in a carriage, inquired for Mrs. LaGrange, and seemed in considerable haste.  He stayed about an hour.  The gentleman who called about four in the afternoon also came in a carriage and inquired for Mr. Mainwaring, saying he had been directed to Fair Oaks at the city offices of Mainwaring & Co.  On learning that Mr. Mainwaring was out, he asked for the secretary; and I took his card to Mr. Scott, who gave directions to have him shown up into the library.  I do not know when he left.  He was tall, with black hair and moustache and dark glasses.”

“Mr. Hobson’s call occasioned considerable comment at luncheon, did it not?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Did you observe that it had any effect on Mr. Mainwaring?”

“Well, sir, I thought he appeared considerably annoyed, and after luncheon he asked me whether Mr. Hobson had inquired for him.”

“Did you admit Hobson when he called in the evening?”

“I did not, sir.  I merely met him at the door and directed him to the south side entrance.”

“At Mrs. LaGrange’s request?”

“Yes, sir; in accordance with her instructions.”

“Did she give any reason for such instructions?”

“Merely that his former call had caused so much remark she wished to receive him privately.”

“Was he alone when he called the second time?”

“No, sir.”

“Can you describe the person who accompanied him?”

“No, sir.  The man stood so far in the shadow that I could only see the outlines of his form.  I should say he was about the same height as Mr. Hobson, but considerably heavier.”

“Do you know at what hour they left?”