"I came to inquire for Miss Carew. I asked to see Miss Thornton, and the butler showed me into this room. And this is the first opportunity I have had, Miss Eleanor, to ask you how Cynthia is this morning." His face betrayed his anxiety.
"She is asleep just now," answered Eleanor, "but I hope she will be much better when she wakes up. I will tell her that you have called."
"Thanks." Lane rose. He felt that he was dismissed. "Has Cynthia been told of Annette's death?"
"Not yet. We explained the breaking in of the door of the southwest chamber by saying that Nicodemus had locked it and neglected to tell Colonel Thornton, who had it forced open."
"I understand." Lane shook hands with her warmly. "Will you please telephone me how Cynthia is. I'll be at the Army and Navy Club all day. Good morning." He bowed formally to the coroner and Douglas, then turned to leave the room, only to find his exit barred by Brett.
"It is my duty to inform you, Captain Lane, that a warrant has been sworn out for your arrest," he announced, taking a paper from his pocket.
Lane stepped back involuntarily. "What do you mean?" he stammered.
"In the name of the law I arrest you for the murder of Senator Carew." Brett ceased speaking and signaled to several men who were sitting in the hall to enter the room.
It was some seconds before Lane broke the strained silence.
"Stand back!" he growled between clenched teeth, as the two detectives approached him. "I'll go with you peaceably. Let me tell you, Brett," glaring defiantly at him, "you'll live to regret this day's work! Who swore out that warrant?"
Lane gazed at him in dazed surprise. "Mrs. Winthrop!" he mumbled. "Mrs. Winthrop!"
Eleanor dropped her embroidery and gazed out into the garden, with its flower-beds lit by the fading rays of the Western sun and the soft wind from the open window fanned her cheeks. An involuntary sigh escaped her.
"A penny for your thoughts," and Douglas, who had approached unnoticed, stepped up to the raised window-seat. A loving smile curved Eleanor's pretty mouth as she made room for him beside her and slipped her hand confidingly in his.
"Do you think a penny would bring me any comfort?" she asked.
"Take me for a penny, and I will do my utmost to comfort you." Douglas kissed her gently as she leaned her head against his broad shoulder.