“A brown-paper parcel, like clothing done up.”
“And the gentleman?”
“I did not see him.”
“Was she dressed the same in going as in coming?”
“To all appearance, except her hat. That was smaller.”
“She had the gossamer on still, then?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And a veil?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Only that the hat it covered was smaller?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And now, how did you account to yourself for the parcel and the change of hat?”
“I didn’t account for them. I didn’t think anything about them at the time; but, since I have had the subject brought to my mind, I find it easy enough. She had a package delivered to her while she was in our house, or rather packages; they were quite numerous, I believe.”
“Can you recall the circumstances of their delivery?”
“Yes, sir; the man who brought the packages said that they had not been paid for, so I allowed him to carry them to Mrs. James Pope’s room. When he went away, he had but one small parcel with him; the rest he had left.”
“And this is all you can tell us about this singular couple? Had they no meals in your house?”
“No, sir; the gentleman—or I suppose I should say the lady, sir, for the order was given in her voice—sent for two dozen oysters and a bottle of ale, which were furnished to them in their rooms; but they didn’t come to the dining-room.”
“Is the boy here who carried up those articles?”
“He is, sir.”
“And the chambermaid who attended to their rooms?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then you may answer this question, and we will excuse you. How was the gentleman dressed when you saw him?”
“In a linen duster and a felt hat.”
“Let the jury remember that. And now let us hear from Richard Clapp. Is Richard Clapp in the room?”
“I am, sir,” answered a cheery voice; and a lively young man with a shrewd eye and a wide-awake manner popped up from behind a portly woman on a side seat and rapidly came forward.
He was asked several questions before the leading one which we all expected; but I will not record them here. The question which brought the reply most eagerly anticipated was this:
“Do you remember being sent to the Hotel D—— with several packages for a Mrs. James Pope?”
“I do, sir.”
“Did you deliver them in person? Did you see the lady?”
A peculiar look crossed his face and we all leaned forward. But his answer brought a shock of disappointment with it.