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 was mixed up with detectives and baby-farmers, all my former suspicions came back with a rush, but I felt the necessity for being calm and just. I remembered the curious circumstances I have mentioned, and also the queer relapse she had to-day when Mrs. Dumaresq asked for her sister's address, finally saying she did not know. The whole thing was as plain as possible. Her sister had disappeared, because she had been somehow made away with. No doubt there were circumstances in the past life of Prudence Semaphore that she dreaded coming to her knowledge, for we all know how particular poor dear Miss Semaphore was. Still, I resolved to search, to enquire before I decided. I told Mrs. Dumaresq about the detective, and then I began a rigorous investigation, beginning quietly with the servants."

"But perhaps her sister really is at the seaside somewhere," suggested Mrs. Wilcox. "All this is very shocking about the detective and the baby farming; but Miss Semaphore may be alive and well, for all that proves to the contrary."

"Wait till you hear," said the medical woman, shaking a solemn finger at Mrs.