There was a long delay.

The housekeeper presented herself in a state of alarm; she had gone upstairs to make the necessary investigation in her own person.

Miss Henley was not in her room; the maid was not in her room; the beds had not been slept in; the heavy luggage was labelled--"To be called for from the hotel." And there was an end of the evidence which the absent Iris had left behind her.
Inquiries were made at the hotel.

The young lady had called there, with her maid, early on that morning.

They had their travelling-bags with them; and Miss Henley had left directions that the luggage was to be placed under care of the landlord until her return.