The Leopard's Spots by Fred M. White — Read

So swift a development on the very fringe of the mystery was not in the least surprising to Montagu Stagg. From what he had seen of the woman with the black eyes, he had naturally regarded her as capable of prompt decisions and coolness in the face of danger, and she had not belied that estimate. There was just a chance, therefore, that Stagg would hear of her no more. There was no reason, on the face of it, why she should be looked for; she had made quite a commonplace exit, she had settled all her liabilities, and everybody connected with the house in Porchester-place was therefore to the good. Besides, there was nothing very extraordinary in people's plans being changed at the last moment, and therefore no questions were likely to be asked. That was always provided that the woman had contrived in some way to get rid of the body of the man she called her husband, though Stagg was convinced that he was nothing of the kind.

There was nothing for it now except to call upon Everard Stokes, and advance the business in hand a further stage. But apparently the proprietor of the 'Searchlight' was not ready to go on. He appeared to be moody and preoccupied, and without any trace of that sardonic humour that Stagg had noticed on the night before.