This case seems a mighty
simple one looked at from a distance. Looked at close, it alters very
considerably for the worse, and becomes, to speak the plain truth--a
Poser.
"This is how we now stand:
"We have traced the young lady to the theatrical agent's in Bow Street.
We know that at an early hour on the morning of the twenty-third the
agent was called downstairs, while he was dressing, to speak to a
young lady in a cab at the door. We know that, on her production of Mr.
Huxtable's card, he wrote on it Mr. Huxtable's address in the country,
and heard her order the cabman to drive to the Great Northern terminus.
We believe she left by the nine o'clock train. We followed her by the
twelve o'clock train. We have ascertained that she called at half-past
two at Mr. Huxtable's lodgings; that she found he was away, and not
expected back till eight in the evening; that she left word she would
call again at eight; and that she never returned. Mr. Huxtable's
statement is--he and the young lady have never set eyes on each other.
The first consideration which follows, is this: Are we to believe Mr.
Huxtable? I have carefully inquired into his character; I know as much,
or more, about him than he knows about himself; and my opinion is, that
we _are_ to believe him.
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