"Yes?" queried Hume.
The barrister, his lips pursed up and critical, surveyed his concluding
notes.
"You were tried at the ensuing Assizes, and the jury disagreed. Your
second trial resulted in an acquittal, though the public attitude towards
you was dubious. The judge, in summing up, said that the evidence against
you 'might be deemed insufficient.' In these words he conveyed the popular
opinion. I see I have noted here that Miss Margaret Hume-Frazer was at a
Covent Garden Fancy Dress Ball on the night of the murder. But the tragic
deaths of her father and brother had a marked influence on the young lady.
She, of course, succeeded to the estates, and decided at once to live at
Beechcroft. Does she still live there?"
"Yes. I am told she is distinguished for her charity and good works. She
is married."
"Ah! To whom?"
"To an Italian, named Giovanni Capella."
"His stage name?"
"No; he is really an Italian."
Brett's pleasantry was successful in its object. David Hume regained his
equanimity and sat down again. After a pause he went on:
"May I ask, Mr. Brett, before I tell you my part of the story, if you
formed any theories as to the occurrence at the time?"
The barrister consulted his memoranda. Something that met his eyes caused
him to smile.
"I see," he said, "that Mr. Winter, of Scotland Yard, was convinced of
your guilt.
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