I can now say that he will certainly come.

I expect him." "What has made you feel this certainty ?" "I have been sure since half-past ten o'clock this morning that he would come.

I knew that before we saw Arthur Rance at the window in the court." "Ah!" I said, "But, again--what made you so sure?
And why since half-past ten this morning ?" "Because, at half-past ten, I had proof that Mademoiselle Stangerson was making as many efforts to permit of the murderer's entrance as Monsieur Robert Darzac had taken precautions against it." "Is that possible!" I cried.

"Haven't you told me that Mademoiselle Stangerson loves Monsieur Robert Darzac ?" "I told you so because it is the truth." "Then do you see nothing strange--" "Everything in this business is strange, my friend; but take my word for it, the strangeness you now feel is nothing to the strangeness that's to come!" "It must be admitted, then," I said, "that Mademoiselle Stangerson and her murderer are in communication--at any rate in writing ?" "Admit it, my friend, admit it! You don't risk anything! I told you about the letter left on her table, on the night of the inexplicable gallery affair,--the letter that disappeared into the pocket of Mademoiselle Stangerson.

Why should it not have been a summons to a meeting?
Might he not, as soon as he was sure of Darzac's absence, appoint the meeting for 'the coming night ?" And my friend laughed silently.