None of this escaped the notice of Doctor Hills. Looking straight at Carleton, but with a kindly expression replacing the stern look on his face, he went on:

“And when you came in, was Miss Van Norman just as we see her now?”

“Practically,” said Carleton. “I couldn’t believe her dead. And I tried to rouse her. Then I saw the dagger on the floor at her feet⁠—”

“On the floor?” interrupted Doctor Hills.

“Yes,” replied Carleton, whose agitation was increasing, and who had sunk into a chair because of sheer inability to stand. “It was on the floor at her feet⁠—right at her feet. I picked it up, and there was blood on it⁠—there is blood on it⁠—and I laid it on the table. And then I saw the paper⁠—the paper that says she killed herself. And then⁠—and then I turned on the lights and rang the servants’ bells, and Cicely⁠—Miss Dupuy⁠—came, and the others, and⁠—that’s all.”