I was then left standing by myself on the staircase with the envelope. My first thought was to ran after Mrs Smith and asked for for the explanation but I decided against it immediately. It seemed to me that she was clearly frightened out of her mind by the envelope I was holding. So I came back down to the lobby and then to the dining room to inquire whether any of my fellow guests could shed any lights on the matter.

By then most of the members had left for the bed and only two remained , heavily involved in the wine and conversation. I coughed ever so slightly to signal my presence and I duly received the attention of Mr Johnny , a businessman from New York , and Major Sholto , retired army sergeant.

“Ahem .. ”

“Yes my good man. Pray sit down and let us hear you” , remarked Major Sholto.

“Thank you Major but you see I have just received an envelop from our butler and Mrs Smith seems to have …” , my sentence was abruptly broken off by the looks on their faces.

Mr Johnny nearly dropped his wine cup and Major Sholto looked as if he was seeing the ghost of Napolean himself. I took it that they too had encountered the envelop just as Mrs Smith had and there was something that happened before I had arrived. It was a while before the sound of wood cracking in the fireplace awaken both men from the stunned silence.

“Have you opened the envelope?” , whispered Mr Johnny. And I thought I saw his lips shivered for a moment as he spoke and the minute of color from his white face seemed to have drained completely.

“No I have not. But what seems to be the issue? Shall I open it?”

“No!” , both shouted.

I was astounded to say the least. How could a simple envelope have such an effect on otherwise three normal people? What was it in the envelop? Questions started to flood into my mind as I considered the situation I was in. I decided to take the matter in my own hand as nobody seemed to be able to answer my questions. I quickly turned around and left the room , leaving the two gentlemen in whiter than white faces.