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"The Second Latchkey"


Suddenly, as it seemed to Constance's hypnotized stare, the statue-face
"came alive." It was not the first time that Constance had seen this
thrilling change. It invariably happened when the crystal began to show
a picture; and so powerful was its effect on the nerves of the watcher in
this silent, perfumed room, as to give an illusion that she, too, could
see dimly what the seeress saw forming in those transparent depths.
"A man is there," Madalena said in a low, measured voice, as if she were
talking in her sleep. "He is shutting a door. It is the front door of a
house like yours. Yes, it _is_ yours. There is the number over the door,
and I recognize the street. It is Portman Square. He puts a latchkey in
his pocket. How could he have got the key? I do not know. Perhaps I could
find out, but there is no time. I must follow him.
"He is hurrying away. He carries a heavy travelling bag. A closed
carriage is coming along--not a public one. It has been waiting for him
I think. He gets in, and the coachman--who is in black--drives off very
fast. They go through street after street! I can't be sure where.


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