On returning to the bedroom, I saw on the chest of drawers a note, in red ink, which said, 'My dear Christine, you need have no concern as to your fate.

You have no better nor more respectful friend in the world than myself.

You are alone, at present, in this home which is yours.

I am going out shopping to fetch you all the things that you can need.' I felt sure that I had fallen into the hands of a madman.

I ran round my little apartment, looking for a way of escape which I could not find.