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diff --git a/65811-0.txt b/65811-0.txt index 4a336cb..90ac894 100644 --- a/65811-0.txt +++ b/65811-0.txt @@ -732,7 +732,7 @@ She resumed her place as the bride advanced on her father’s arm, looking like a white ghost in her gleaming satin robe, with the filmy veil shrouding her bent head and her fair face. -“What’s the matter?” whispered the second brides maid. +“What’s the matter?” whispered the second bridesmaid. “Nothing. S--sh!” answered Winnie, and breathed a silent thanksgiving as the choir struck up the hymn and began slowly to advance up the @@ -3463,7 +3463,7 @@ reasonable time for the present.” “Thank you. Who are your solicitors, Roger?” -“The only firm _I_ know anything about are Twinnings--Sir Robert’s +“The only firm _I_ know anything about are Twinings--Sir Robert’s solicitors, you know; but they’ve never done any business for me personally. I’ve never needed it. I’d better communicate with them. I suppose I shall have facility for that?” he added, glancing at Snell. diff --git a/65811-h/65811-h.htm b/65811-h/65811-h.htm index 73f4f7d..b22b13c 100644 --- a/65811-h/65811-h.htm +++ b/65811-h/65811-h.htm @@ -1,14 +1,12 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<!DOCTYPE html> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<html lang="en"> <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Phone Booth Mystery, by John Ironside. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> + <meta charset="utf-8"> + + <title>The Phone Booth Mystery | Project Gutenberg</title> + <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" > + <style> p { margin-top: .75em; text-align: justify; @@ -67,55 +65,55 @@ <body> <div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 65811 ***</div> -<div class="mynote"><p class="center">Transcriber’s Note:<br /><br /> -Obvious typographic errors have been corrected.<br /></p></div> +<div class="mynote"><p class="center">Transcriber’s Note:<br ><br > +Obvious typographic errors have been corrected.<br ></p></div> -<hr /> +<hr > -<div class="center"><img src="images/front.jpg" alt="front" /></div> +<div class="center"><img src="images/front.jpg" alt="front"></div> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> <h1>THE ’PHONE BOOTH MYSTERY</h1> -<hr /> +<hr > -<div class="center"><img src="images/title.jpg" alt="title page" /></div> +<div class="center"><img src="images/title.jpg" alt="title page"></div> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> -<p class="bold2">THE ’PHONE BOOTH<br />MYSTERY</p> +<p class="bold2">THE ’PHONE BOOTH<br >MYSTERY</p> <p class="bold space-above">BY</p> <p class="bold2">JOHN IRONSIDE</p> -<p class="bold">AUTHOR OF<br />“THE RED SYMBOL,” “FORGED IN STRONG FIRES,” ETC.</p> +<p class="bold">AUTHOR OF<br >“THE RED SYMBOL,” “FORGED IN STRONG FIRES,” ETC.</p> -<div class="center space-above"><img src="images/logo.jpg" alt="logo" /></div> +<div class="center space-above"><img src="images/logo.jpg" alt="logo"></div> -<p class="bold space-above">NEW YORK<br />HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY<br />1924</p> +<p class="bold space-above">NEW YORK<br >HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY<br >1924</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span></p> -<p class="center">AUTHORIZED EDITION<br /><br /><i>First Printing, August, 1924</i><br /> +<p class="center">AUTHORIZED EDITION<br ><br ><i>First Printing, August, 1924</i><br > <i>Second Printing, October, 1924</i></p> -<p class="center space-above">PRINTED IN<br />UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</p> +<p class="center space-above">PRINTED IN<br >UNITED STATES OF AMERICA</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p> <h2>CONTENTS</h2> -<table summary="CONTENTS"> +<table> <tr> <td colspan="2" class="left"><span class="smaller">CHAPTER</span></td> <td><span class="smaller">PAGE</span></td> @@ -231,7 +229,7 @@ Obvious typographic errors have been corrected.<br /></p></div> <td><a href="#Page_220">220</a></td> </tr> <tr> - <td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span>XXIII. </td> + <td><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span>XXIII. </td> <td class="left">WHAT GIULIA SAW</td> <td><a href="#Page_231">231</a></td> </tr> @@ -257,15 +255,15 @@ Obvious typographic errors have been corrected.<br /></p></div> </tr> </table> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></p> <p class="bold2">THE ’PHONE BOOTH MYSTERY </p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER I</span> <span class="smaller">LADY RAWSON</span></h2> @@ -294,7 +292,7 @@ lines, and even occasion a war involving Great Powers.</p> remained to be seen; and Carling’s duty was to translate and prepare a précis of them for his chief. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span></p> <p>They certainly had arrived at rather an awkward moment for the young secretary—on the eve of his six weeks’ holiday, which would include a @@ -327,7 +325,7 @@ her husband’s admiring eyes, seemed perfectly natural. He did not perceive the keen glance she directed, not at the secretary, but at the papers over which he was poring.</p> -<p>“It is too bad!” she repeated in her caressing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> voice. “You +<p>“It is too bad!” she repeated in her caressing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> voice. “You should—what is the word?—ah, yes, you should <i>strike</i>, Mr. Carling.”</p> <p>Roger looked up and stumbled to his feet, thereby interposing himself @@ -358,7 +356,7 @@ was a purely instinctive feeling which, naturally, he had carefully concealed, and of which he was not a little ashamed; but there it was.</p> <p>She was of foreign birth, but of what nationality no one seemed to -know; a strikingly handsome young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> woman, whose marriage to the elderly +know; a strikingly handsome young<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> woman, whose marriage to the elderly financier had created a considerable sensation, for Sir Robert had long been considered a confirmed bachelor. Malicious tongues had predicted a speedy and scandalous dissolution of this union of May and December, @@ -385,7 +383,7 @@ asked himself as, with a sigh of genuine relief, he reseated himself at the writing-table. “And Grace feels just the same, though she has always been jolly nice to her. I wish she wasn’t coming to-morrow, but of course it can’t be helped. Wonder what took her to that unlikely -place <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>yesterday, for I’ll swear it was she, though I’ve never seen her +place <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>yesterday, for I’ll swear it was she, though I’ve never seen her in that get-up before, but I’d know her walk anywhere. However, it’s none of my business where she goes or what she does.”</p> @@ -417,7 +415,7 @@ service.</p> <p>“Won’t you have some coffee, sir, or a whisky-and-soda,” he asked, as he helped Roger into his coat. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span></p> <p>“No, thanks. Good night, Thomson, and good-bye. I shan’t be back for some weeks, you know.”</p> @@ -451,14 +449,14 @@ himself.”</p> <p>“Sir Robert! What on earth can he want at this hour!” he exclaimed, springing out of bed and hurrying to the telephone.</p> -<p>“Is that you, sir?... Those papers? They’re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> in the safe.... <i>Not +<p>“Is that you, sir?... Those papers? They’re<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> in the safe.... <i>Not there!</i> But they must be. Sealed up in one of the blue envelopes. They can’t have been stolen—it’s impossible.... Yes, of course, sir, I’ll come up at once.”</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER II</span> <span class="smaller">“MURDER MOST FOUL!”</span></h2> @@ -486,7 +484,7 @@ her grip of the handle with both hands. The right hand was ungloved and several valuable rings sparkled on the delicate white fingers.</p> <p>“Oh, very well! No. 5339 Granton. How much?” she said at last, speaking -in a low voice, with a slight but perceptible foreign accent. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>Removing +in a low voice, with a slight but perceptible foreign accent. <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>Removing her bejewelled hand from the bag, she fumbled in a châtelaine purse and produced a shilling.</p> @@ -521,7 +519,7 @@ customers came in, and for a few minutes she and Jessie were as busy as they could be, and only when the shop was clear again did she notice the change set aside for the telephone customer. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p> <p>“There, that lady never asked for her change after all, and I didn’t see her go out either. I dare say she’ll be back for it directly. Did @@ -554,7 +552,7 @@ Something lurched forward—a heap surmounted by a blue veil.</p> <p>“It’s her, the lady herself; she—she must have broken a blood vessel—or something,” she gasped, bending down and trying to lift the -huddled figure, for she was a clever and resourceful little woman,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> and +huddled figure, for she was a clever and resourceful little woman,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> and as yet no suspicion of the ghastly truth had flashed to her mind. “Run, Jessie—run and call someone—anyone.”</p> @@ -583,7 +581,7 @@ herself when she entered the booth a few short minutes before—and her naturally handsome features were distorted to an expression of fear and horror, the dark eyes half open, the lips drawn back showing the white, even teeth. There was no doubt as to the cause of death, for under her -left ear was plainly visible the still-welling wound—a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> clean stab +left ear was plainly visible the still-welling wound—a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> clean stab less than half an inch broad that had completely severed the jugular vein.</p> @@ -613,7 +611,7 @@ about the shapely head. Her age was judged by the doctor to be about five-and-twenty, and she was a fine and handsome young woman, presumably wealthy also. Certainly her white, well-shaped, beautifully kept hands had had no acquaintance with work of any kind, and the rings -on the slender fingers were extremely valuable,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> among them a wedding +on the slender fingers were extremely valuable,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> among them a wedding ring. On the floor of the booth was found her gold purse, containing a sum of four pounds odd in notes and silver.</p> @@ -642,7 +640,7 @@ and respectable little street, the upper end flanked by the walls of the gardens belonging to the two corner houses, the lower by small suburban villas, each with its tiny garden in front: a street where usually at this time of day the only passers-by were children returning -to school, but where already a big and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>increasing crowd was assembled +to school, but where already a big and <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>increasing crowd was assembled at the corner by the Cave’s shop and house.</p> <p>“There’s the inspector; you just come along and tell him what you saw, @@ -679,7 +677,7 @@ Jessie Jackson, who stumbled against him, and would have fallen if he had not shot out a ready arm to support her.</p> <p>“Hallo! Who’s this young woman, and what’s the matter with her?” he -demanded, lowering her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> to the ground, gently enough, and scrutinizing +demanded, lowering her<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> to the ground, gently enough, and scrutinizing her face—a pretty, innocent-looking young face, deadly pale at this moment, for the girl had fainted.</p> @@ -691,9 +689,9 @@ hands.</p> <p>“I must see her presently, when you’ve got her round,” said the inspector, and returned to the house.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER III</span> <span class="smaller">THE TAXICAB</span></h2> @@ -723,7 +721,7 @@ familiar with the neighbourhood.</p> thirty-five—but nobody spoke, and they supposed it must have been a wrong call as they were rung off again immediately.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p> <p>“Who are they?”</p> @@ -759,7 +757,7 @@ time for you both, eh?”</p> <p>“That it has!” Mrs. Cave assented vehemently. “I can’t believe it even now, and never shall I forget it. I don’t wonder the child nearly died -of fright.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> And—why, Jessie, dear, why ever hadn’t you eaten your +of fright.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> And—why, Jessie, dear, why ever hadn’t you eaten your dinner?”</p> <p>“I was just going to—when you rang—and—and——”</p> @@ -799,7 +797,7 @@ does it all mean?”</p> <p>The girl started to her feet, her eyes glaring, a spot of colour flashing into each pallid cheek.</p> -<p>“I don’t know. I tell you there wasn’t anyone<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> here. I’ll swear it! +<p>“I don’t know. I tell you there wasn’t anyone<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> here. I’ll swear it! What do you want to goad me like this for? I won’t answer another question—so there!” she vociferated hysterically. “I never murdered her. I never knew or thought a thing about it all till I saw—I saw——”</p> @@ -835,7 +833,7 @@ Is that—it?”</p> <p>“A lady; we don’t know yet who she is.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p> <p>At a sign from him the doctor bent, and with a quiet reverent touch uncovered the face. Starr looked down at it, and started uncontrollably.</p> @@ -868,9 +866,9 @@ driver—identified as Charles Sadler, No. C417—badly injured, while within the vehicle was found Lady Rawson’s bag, which had been cut open by some sharp instrument and was quite empty.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER IV</span> <span class="smaller">A BELATED BRIDEGROOM</span></h2> @@ -893,7 +891,7 @@ alone of the little group appeared undaunted by the sinister gloom.</p> in a laughing undertone. “It’s too bad of the fog to come just now—after such a lovely morning too!—but it can’t be helped, and——”</p> -<p>She turned as someone touched her arm—her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> brother George, who was +<p>She turned as someone touched her arm—her<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> brother George, who was “best man” to-day, and even her high spirits were checked by his worried expression.</p> @@ -922,9 +920,9 @@ Then you’d better do so.”</p> looking like a white ghost in her gleaming satin robe, with the filmy veil shrouding her bent head and her fair face.</p> -<p>“What’s the matter?” whispered the second brides maid.</p> +<p>“What’s the matter?” whispered the second bridesmaid.</p> -<p>“Nothing. S—sh!” answered Winnie, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> breathed a silent thanksgiving +<p>“Nothing. S—sh!” answered Winnie, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> breathed a silent thanksgiving as the choir struck up the hymn and began slowly to advance up the aisle, the bridal procession following. But her heart sank as she saw her brother hurry along the south aisle and out at the side door, @@ -952,7 +950,7 @@ fashion, with a compelling hand on her shoulder, placed her in it.</p> <p>“There, sit you down, and don’t be distressed, my dear child. I’m quite sure there’s no cause for alarm. Anyone—even a bridegroom—may be excused for losing his way in such a fog as this that has descended -upon us. That’s the explanation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> of his absence, depend upon it. And he +upon us. That’s the explanation<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> of his absence, depend upon it. And he will arrive in another minute or two—in a considerable fluster, I’ll be bound, poor lad!”</p> @@ -985,7 +983,7 @@ his ordinary morning suit.</p> <p>“Grace! Forgive me, darling! I couldn’t help it really. Sir Robert kept me, and then I couldn’t get a cab, and had to walk from—from the -station.”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> She did not notice the momentary hesitation that marked the +station.”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> She did not notice the momentary hesitation that marked the last words, though she remembered it afterwards. “I lost my way in the fog and thought I should never get here in time!”</p> @@ -1018,7 +1016,7 @@ morning they were gone, though there was nothing to show that the safe had been tampered with; in fact, it hadn’t. It’s a most mysterious thing!”</p> -<p>He tried to speak lightly, but her sensitive ears<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> caught the note of +<p>He tried to speak lightly, but her sensitive ears<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> caught the note of anxiety in his voice, and that queer sense of foreboding assailed her afresh.</p> @@ -1051,7 +1049,7 @@ lovely furs”—she glanced down at the costly chinchilla wrap and muff she wore, which had been Lady Rawson’s wedding gift—“but really I can’t help it.”</p> -<p>“Same here! And it really is curious considering<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> she’s always been so +<p>“Same here! And it really is curious considering<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> she’s always been so jolly decent to us both. I wonder——”</p> <p>He broke off, knitting his brows perplexedly, and as if in response to @@ -1087,7 +1085,7 @@ cigarette case?”</p> <p>“Did you have it this morning?”</p> -<p>“Of course I did. It’s the one you gave me<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> at Christmas; I’ve never +<p>“Of course I did. It’s the one you gave me<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> at Christmas; I’ve never been without it since.”</p> <p>“Perhaps it’s in your other suit,” she suggested; “the clothes you were @@ -1119,9 +1117,9 @@ her turn and craning her pretty neck. The newsboy turned aside at that instant, and she did not see the placard he was exhibiting, but Roger had seen it:</p> -<p class="center">LADY<br /><br />RAWSON<br /><br />MURDERED!</p> +<p class="center">LADY<br ><br >RAWSON<br ><br >MURDERED!</p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p> <p>The great black letters seemed to hit him in the face. He felt for a moment as if he had received a physical and stunning blow.</p> @@ -1156,7 +1154,7 @@ the whole thing from her as long as you can. It will upset——”< <p>“Going on, sir? Step in, please.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p> <p>At the guard’s admonition Roger sprang in, the door was slammed, the whistle sounded, and as the train glided away George Winston ran @@ -1186,7 +1184,7 @@ him to the necessity of facing the situation.</p> considering that I lost my heart ages ago!”</p> <p>He laughed as he settled himself in the seat opposite her, but he did -not meet her eyes, dark with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> trouble and perplexity. She loved him +not meet her eyes, dark with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> trouble and perplexity. She loved him with all the strength of her nature—a nature essentially sweet and pure and steadfast. She thought she understood his every mood; but now, on this supreme day that linked her life to his once and for all, his @@ -1217,7 +1215,7 @@ hands—fine, characteristic hands they were, strong and nervous.</p> <p>“Nothing of any consequence; these rags are all alike,” he answered, as he tossed the paper out of the open window and moved impetuously to -her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> side. “Grace! My own—my very own at last, there’s nothing in the +her<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> side. “Grace! My own—my very own at last, there’s nothing in the world matters to you and me to-day except ourselves!”</p> <p>He caught and held her in his embrace with a passion that increased @@ -1247,7 +1245,7 @@ detaining you, and—and everything else. And you’re still worrying about those missing papers. I know you are, though you’re trying to pretend you’re not! Perhaps you think I might be—oh, I don’t know how to put it—jealous. No, that’s not the word I want. That you’re afraid -I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> might be vexed because you could think of anything in the world +I<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> might be vexed because you could think of anything in the world except me, on this day, of all the days in our life! But it’s not so, Roger—really it isn’t! I want to share your troubles—I mean to share them. I—I’m your wife.”</p> @@ -1255,9 +1253,9 @@ them. I—I’m your wife.”</p> <p>Too deeply moved for words he held her to his heart, and again their lips met, though this time the kiss was reverent as a sacrament.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER V</span> <span class="smaller">RETURNED!</span></h2> @@ -1287,7 +1285,7 @@ keys—in the course of the night, or early this morning?”</p> for an instant till he handed it to me just now, and I put it on the ring with my own.”</p> -<p>Sir Robert pulled the keys, attached to a strong<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> steel chain, out of +<p>Sir Robert pulled the keys, attached to a strong<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> steel chain, out of his trousers pocket, and slipped them back again.</p> <p>“Just so. I’d like to have seen Mr. Carling, but of course he had to @@ -1322,7 +1320,7 @@ not matter much, for practically it would be impossible for any outside person to decipher them; but the other, which is by far the most important, was not in cipher, unfortunately.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p> <p>“What language was it in?”</p> @@ -1354,7 +1352,7 @@ the papers were missing this morning I was not especially alarmed at the moment; I imagined they had proved to be of little consequence, and that perhaps Carling had taken them with him to finish later. It was only when I rang him up on the telephone, and he came round, that -I realized how serious the matter was, and even then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> I thought it +I realized how serious the matter was, and even then<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> I thought it possible that he might have merely mislaid them.”</p> <p>“Who besides yourself and Mr. Carling knew of the existence and @@ -1389,7 +1387,7 @@ guilty of such carelessness last night. However, he declares that he did put them away, in the same envelope in which they were sent to me—an official one, printed with my name and address. He sealed it.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> <p>“About the servants. Are there any foreigners among them?”</p> @@ -1433,7 +1431,7 @@ Sir Robert?”</p> <p>The query was uttered lightly, as if it was of no importance or significance, but was accompanied by a keen glance at Sir Robert’s -harassed yet <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>inscrutable face—a glance which again the financier did +harassed yet <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>inscrutable face—a glance which again the financier did not meet. He laid down the paper-knife before he answered, in a tone as apparently careless as the detective’s had been.</p> @@ -1463,7 +1461,7 @@ distorted.</p> around him, but Snell sprang forward, seized the receiver and spoke imperatively into the telephone.</p> -<p>“Who is there?... Yes, Sir Robert Rawson<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> was speaking a moment ago, +<p>“Who is there?... Yes, Sir Robert Rawson<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> was speaking a moment ago, but he has been taken ill.”</p> <p>He glanced at the group close by. Sir Robert had fallen, or been @@ -1493,7 +1491,7 @@ this crisis was the imperturbable Thomson, who, after the unwonted outburst of emotion that escaped him as he knelt beside his stricken master, resumed his habitual composure, and promptly took charge of the situation as it affected Sir Robert himself. For the time being -he practically ignored the news of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> the murder, which the others, +he practically ignored the news of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> the murder, which the others, naturally enough, began discussing with awestruck excitement. Now, as ever, his one thought was his master, and with deft tenderness he did what he thought best—loosening the sufferer’s clothes and raising his @@ -1523,7 +1521,7 @@ that house but a few hours before in the full vigour of youth and beauty.</p> <p>Thomson approached a short, spare, but authoritative-looking man, -who had just been admitted,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> and before whom the others gave way +who had just been admitted,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> and before whom the others gave way respectfully—Lord Warrington of the Foreign Office.</p> <p>“Will you come in here, my lord?” he said, and ushered him into the @@ -1561,7 +1559,7 @@ been with him ever since.”</p> <p>“Oh, no, my lord, it was through the telephone. He was here about those papers that are missing——” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p> <p>“Papers? What papers?”</p> @@ -1601,16 +1599,16 @@ already!”</p> Yet he looked up with quickened interest as Lord Warrington uttered an involuntary exclamation. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p> <p>“My lord! They—they’re not those very papers?”</p> <p>“They are! By Jove, that’s the queerest thing I’ve ever known! Now, who the deuce has found and returned them?”</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER VI</span> <span class="smaller">“NO. 5339”</span></h2> @@ -1631,7 +1629,7 @@ to a few sentences hurriedly exchanged over the telephone. He loved her; from the first moment that he met her he had decided that she was the one woman in the world for him. But he would not ask her to marry, or even to become engaged to him, until he had an assured position to -offer her. Meanwhile, though he secretly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> hoped that she loved him, he +offer her. Meanwhile, though he secretly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> hoped that she loved him, he could not be certain of that, for her attitude towards him was one of frank camaraderie that reminded him of his own countrywomen. In many ways she was much more like an American than an English girl.</p> @@ -1659,7 +1657,7 @@ singing at Æolian Hall in the afternoon.”</p> <p>“Never mind, wear that one you’ve got on now. You look just lovely in it!” counselled Austin, regarding her with tender admiration. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> <p>“That’s just like a man!” she laughed, glancing down at her gown; but the laugh had an uncertain ring, with a suggestion of tears in it. @@ -1694,7 +1692,7 @@ Winnie started nervously.</p> the Winstons’ service.</p> <p>“It’s the same gentleman that called before, Mr. George, and asked to -see you or Miss Winnie. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> says you wouldn’t know his name, but his +see you or Miss Winnie. He<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> says you wouldn’t know his name, but his business is important.”</p> <p>“All right, I’ll come, Martha,” said George, rising and following her @@ -1729,7 +1727,7 @@ either, do you, George?” she added, turning to her brother.</p> <p>“I’ve been to her receptions once or twice, but I’ve never exchanged a dozen words with her,” George asserted truthfully. “And I can’t -imagine<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> why she should have rung us up. I doubt if she even knew that +imagine<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> why she should have rung us up. I doubt if she even knew that my sister and I were to be at the wedding to-day or that we’re old friends of Carling and Miss Armitage—Mrs. Carling I mean, of course.”</p> @@ -1764,7 +1762,7 @@ as he mispronounced the name.</p> <p>“He’s a music master or something of the sort; lives at Rivercourt Mansions West,” Snell added. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p> <p>“Signor Cacciola? Why, of course I know him; he’s my singing master—‘the <i>maestro</i>’ we always call him,” she answered, knitting @@ -1807,7 +1805,7 @@ things to me.”</p> <p>“Then you can’t give me any reason why Lady Rawson should have rung you up to-day?” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p> <p>“None at all, unless she gave a wrong number and it happened by chance to be ours.”</p> @@ -1842,7 +1840,7 @@ know he’s under arrest.”</p> <p>“Do you believe he did it?” demanded George.</p> -<p>“I never form an opinion on slight evidence,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> Snell replied guardedly. +<p>“I never form an opinion on slight evidence,”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> Snell replied guardedly. “Good night, Miss Winston, good night, sir. Many thanks. Are you coming with me, Mr. Starr?”</p> @@ -1876,7 +1874,7 @@ Roger was going to keep it from her.”</p> for Roger anyhow. It’s only just on eleven.”</p> <p>Winnie let him have his way, not choosing to urge the various reasons -against it that occurred at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> once to her quick feminine mind, but +against it that occurred at<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> once to her quick feminine mind, but escaped her brother’s obtuse one.</p> <p>In a surprisingly short time for a “call” the telephone bell tinkled @@ -1901,9 +1899,9 @@ earth possessed Roger to take her?”</p> and explanation occurred to him as to Winnie, and their eyes met in a glance of mutual horror and consternation.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER VII</span> <span class="smaller">THE CIGARETTE CASE</span></h2> @@ -1925,7 +1923,7 @@ ring him up at the Winstons’? He meant to discover that right now, if possible, feeling instinctively that here was the clue to the mystery. He guessed that Snell was already in possession of that clue, and had racked his brains in conjecture concerning it as he drove hither. -But, though he had been with Snell all the afternoon, that astute<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> +But, though he had been with Snell all the afternoon, that astute<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> individual had maintained silence concerning the stolen dispatches. He did not intend Starr or any other reporter to know of them at present. There were cases when he was glad to avail himself of the assistance @@ -1957,7 +1955,7 @@ window.”</p> will be sitting up for him. Are you Mr. Roger Carling, by any chance, sir?”</p> -<p>Austin Starr was considerably startled, though he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> made no sign beyond +<p>Austin Starr was considerably startled, though he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> made no sign beyond a penetrating glance at his interrogator, and answered quietly:</p> <p>“No, but I’m his intimate friend. What made you take me for him?”</p> @@ -1986,7 +1984,7 @@ thing, isn’t it, sir? And will you believe me, I never heard a word about it till nigh on teatime! It must have ’appened just after I went to my dinner: I was a bit late to-day; had to take a parcel up to No. 20—that’s when I found the cigarette case; and if only I’d been about -I might ’ave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> seen it all. And to think of young Charlie Sadler doing +I might ’ave<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> seen it all. And to think of young Charlie Sadler doing such an awful thing. He must ’ave gone clean off his nut!”</p> <p>“You know him?” asked Starr quickly, thankful that the garrulous little @@ -2013,7 +2011,7 @@ and himself in his ’urry. There it is in a nutshell, sir!” Withers concluded triumphantly. Evidently he had been gossiping pretty freely during the evening, but as evidently he as yet knew nothing of Lady Rawson’s visit to Cacciola’s flat—if, indeed, she had been there—and -attached no <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>significance to Roger Carling’s visit. How should he?</p> +attached no <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>significance to Roger Carling’s visit. How should he?</p> <p>“Perhaps you’re right,” Starr conceded. “We’ll all have just to ‘wait and see’ anyhow. Well, I’ll go up——”</p> @@ -2049,7 +2047,7 @@ demanded, in good enough English, though with a strong foreign accent:</p> <p>“Is Mr. Cacciola at home?” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p> <p>“He is not. He vill perhaps not return to-night. Who are you?”</p> @@ -2084,7 +2082,7 @@ him,” all the more effective since it was exerted unconsciously.</p> <p>“It’s real good of you, signora, to admit me at this unholy hour, and I’ll not keep you any time,” he began diplomatically. “First, I want -that cigarette case that Mr. Roger Carling lost on your lobby this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> +that cigarette case that Mr. Roger Carling lost on your lobby this<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> morning. The porter says he gave it to you.”</p> <p>“The leetle case? But I have it not! I gave it to the officer of @@ -2126,7 +2124,7 @@ reach the stazione.”</p> <p>“I do not remember.”</p> -<p>“Come, that’s nonsense, signora. You must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> know; try to think. She was +<p>“Come, that’s nonsense, signora. You must<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> know; try to think. She was here after one o’clock, we know that; in fact, she went straight from here to the post office where she was murdered.”</p> @@ -2165,7 +2163,7 @@ other can plumb; and, remembering the circumstances, the thought had occurred involuntarily that some shameful secret might be the cause and explanation of the mysterious tragedy. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> <p>It was such an obvious solution. Lady Rawson, young, beautiful, extraordinarily attractive, married to a man almost old enough to be @@ -2197,7 +2195,7 @@ trembling as she still fidgeted with her apron.</p> <p>“Zere vas no one, zere nevare has been no one; I have told all, signor.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> <p>He found it was useless to question her further, and decided that he would not wait on the chance of learning anything from Cacciola. He @@ -2213,9 +2211,9 @@ telephone to the office.</p> <p>A minute later he pushed back the swing-door and entered the lobby of the hospital, to find himself face to face with Snell.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER VIII</span> <span class="smaller">AT CACCIOLA’S</span></h2> @@ -2245,7 +2243,7 @@ good few times at Miss Winston’s. And Giulia was civil enough, though she seemed a bit scared. She told me some yarn about a cigarette case she had found.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p> <p>As they spoke in guarded tones, they had reissued from the hospital and now stood on the steps, where the lamp-light fell full on Snell’s face. @@ -2280,7 +2278,7 @@ movements he might, sooner or later, have got some hint of what was in the detective’s mind. Now, in all probability he would get no further information at all. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span></p> <p>“Sorry,” he muttered somewhat ungraciously. “You’re right, of course. But——”</p> @@ -2313,7 +2311,7 @@ crowd to “Pass along, please.”</p> <p>Snell did not even glance at the house or the sentinel, but disappeared into the darkness of the square nearly opposite, three sides of which -were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> occupied by the tall blocks of flats known as “Rivercourt +were<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> occupied by the tall blocks of flats known as “Rivercourt Mansions,” fronted by shrubberies, and with more shrubs and trees in the centre: a pleasant place enough in daylight, but gloomy and mysterious on this miserable wet midnight. Treading as lightly as a @@ -2350,7 +2348,7 @@ other’s the Russian.”</p> overtaking them as Cacciola was inserting a latchkey into the outer door of the block where he lived. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> <p>He turned with a start as Snell courteously accosted him.</p> @@ -2384,7 +2382,7 @@ just behind Snell.</p> <p>As they reached the top landing the door of Cacciola’s flat opened, and Giulia appeared on the threshold, a dark figure against the lighted -hall, began to speak volubly in Italian, and then, seeing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> her master’s +hall, began to speak volubly in Italian, and then, seeing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> her master’s companions, and recognizing Snell, stopped short and retreated a pace or two, glancing nervously from one to the other.</p> @@ -2414,7 +2412,7 @@ but there were one or two fresh and illuminative points.</p> Rawson, had come quite early, soon after the <i>maestro’s</i> departure, demanding to see Signor Boris, who was away, Giulia did not know where. Then she telephoned to Blackheath, in the hope of speaking -to the <i>maestro</i>, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> learnt he was not expected there to-day, and +to the <i>maestro</i>, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> learnt he was not expected there to-day, and presently she tried to telephone again, but lo! the instrument would not serve—it was out of order!</p> @@ -2447,7 +2445,7 @@ And now, sir, if you please, we’ll have our chat.”</p> <p>“Go, my good Giulia,” said Cacciola, “and be not so distressed, though, indeed, we are all cut to the heart. Now, signor?” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p> <p>“I want you to tell everything you know about Lady Rawson—you and this gentleman, who, I think, were on terms of intimate friendship with the @@ -2478,7 +2476,7 @@ and filled one glass.</p> <p>“This may revive him, and I think we all need it. I pray you help yourself and your friend, signor. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p> <p>“It is good wine, I give you my word,” he added with a courteous gesture.</p> @@ -2517,7 +2515,7 @@ letters to her, and am aware of their contents. Do you understand me?”</p> <p>“Then I must try to make you.”</p> <p>“You think I murdered her!” cried the Russian, with more vehemence than -a moment before he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> seemed capable of. “I, who would have given my +a moment before he had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> seemed capable of. “I, who would have given my life, my soul, to save her!”</p> <p>“Nothing of the kind. I might have done so if I hadn’t happened to know @@ -2545,7 +2543,7 @@ son. I learn to know him first, oh, many years since, in Russia, when he was a little boy, with the voice of an angel. Though quite untrain, Signor, he sing like the birds of the air! And I say to him then, and to his mother, the countess, ‘He shall come to me in good time, and -I make him the greatest singer<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> in the whole world.’ And at last he +I make him the greatest singer<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> in the whole world.’ And at last he came——”</p> <p>“When?”</p> @@ -2579,7 +2577,7 @@ manner had been engagingly frank; now it changed, became guarded, even furtive.</p> <p>“It is so—so difficult,” he said slowly. “They are cousins—yes. They -had not met for years; he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> thought she had perished, like so many—so +had not met for years; he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> thought she had perished, like so many—so many, until he found she was here in England, married to the great Sir Rawson.”</p> @@ -2618,7 +2616,7 @@ feet and confronted Snell, who also rose.</p> And there was—there is—no plot as you call it, save that she and I, like many others of our race, were always waiting and watching, and hoping for some means of serving our unhappy country. Also, we loved -each other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>—yes! But I swear to you it was love without one taint of +each other<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>—yes! But I swear to you it was love without one taint of dishonour to her, to me, to that old man, her husband!”</p> <p>Was he speaking the truth in this respect? Snell, with his wide @@ -2653,7 +2651,7 @@ since been found empty. Now, do you know of anyone whatsoever, man or woman, who would be likely to know or guess that she had those papers in her possession?” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p> <p>“Of our people? None! Was she not one of us—the most trusted, the most beloved? Not one of <i>us</i> would have harmed a hair of her head! @@ -2685,16 +2683,16 @@ child!”</p> <p>“Poor chap!” said Snell. “I won’t worry him any more, nor you either to-night, sir. And I must ask you to keep silence for the present. You’ll be worried by a horde of inquirers—journalists especially—for -the next few days, but you tell your old<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> Julia to lock the door. Don’t +the next few days, but you tell your old<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> Julia to lock the door. Don’t you see anyone, and take care he doesn’t.”</p> <p>“You may trust us, signor,” said the old man.</p> <p>“Then, good night, sir. Come on, Evans.”</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER IX</span> <span class="smaller">BRIDE AND BRIDEGROOM</span></h2> @@ -2719,7 +2717,7 @@ alight, the radiant happiness of their young faces, were instantly “spotted” by the nearest porter, who bustled up in cheery anticipation of a noble tip.</p> -<p>“Two cabin trunks, kit-bag, and two hat-boxes in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> the van—very +<p>“Two cabin trunks, kit-bag, and two hat-boxes in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> the van—very good, sir,” said he, taking possession of Grace’s dressing case and travelling rugs. “What are they like? New?”</p> @@ -2754,7 +2752,7 @@ and then go to the Grand.”</p> escape, little imagining what a sinister significance would soon be attached to their impulsive change of plan.</p> -<p>He waited in the lounge while Grace was upstairs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> unpacking and dinner +<p>He waited in the lounge while Grace was upstairs<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> unpacking and dinner was being laid in the private sitting-room he had secured. As it happened there were very few people staying in the hotel, and for the moment he had the place to himself.</p> @@ -2790,7 +2788,7 @@ the awful news. Where is Sir Robert?”</p> <p>“In bed, sir, and still unconscious, though the doctors say that is all the better under the circumstances. In fact, I believe he is under an -opiate.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> He had a sort of stroke, sir, when he heard—by telephone—of +opiate.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> He had a sort of stroke, sir, when he heard—by telephone—of her ladyship’s death.”</p> <p>“How on earth did it happen—the—the murder I mean? I’ve only seen the @@ -2821,7 +2819,7 @@ especially as Thomson’s voice sounded distinctly severe and shocked:</p> <p>“You’re right, Thomson. The whole thing is too terrible, and I oughn’t to have spoken like that. But it <i>is</i> a relief to know that the papers, -at least, are safe. They are tremendously important. But,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> look +at least, are safe. They are tremendously important. But,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> look here, Thomson, is there anything I can do? I am terribly concerned and anxious about Sir Robert. Do you think I ought to come back to town to-morrow, or—or even to-night? I don’t <i>want</i> to, of course, @@ -2854,7 +2852,7 @@ should ask for me, tell him you’re in touch with me.”</p> told Thomson where he was speaking from, but decided it wasn’t worth while putting another call through. For to-night at least he would not be wanted, and he would strive to dismiss the whole tragedy from his -mind. What a queer old stick Thomson was, but a good sort too!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> And +mind. What a queer old stick Thomson was, but a good sort too!<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> And that astounding news of the recovery of the papers was very reassuring.</p> <p>Now for Grace—his own, his beloved! He went up in the lift, and tapped @@ -2885,7 +2883,7 @@ on champagne, he didn’t even have to go to fetch it, but instantly produced a magnum of the best, placed there, all ready, on the sideboard. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> <p>Dinner over, they moved to the big chesterfield drawn up before the blazing fire, and sat down in discreet silence till the table was @@ -2919,7 +2917,7 @@ the sea to-night!”</p> prayer. He knew that as he looked down lovingly at her sweet, thoughtful face.</p> -<p>“D’you know, Roger,” she resumed presently,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> “I’m not sure that I want +<p>“D’you know, Roger,” she resumed presently,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> “I’m not sure that I want to go to Nice, or anywhere else abroad, after all.”</p> <p>“Why, then, we won’t! The queen shall do exactly as she likes. I’m not @@ -2948,7 +2946,7 @@ time of year, when you were still in France, you poor boy! We had the loveliest time, all by ourselves. Mother wouldn’t come; she said it would be too deadly in the winter, but it wasn’t—not for us, anyhow! And we had the cosiest rooms imaginable in a dinky cottage on the -cliff, a regular sun-trap, with a dear old<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> landlady, Miss Culpepper, +cliff, a regular sun-trap, with a dear old<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> landlady, Miss Culpepper, who reminded us of ‘Cranford’ and cherished us both no end. Let’s go over and see if she’s still there and can put us up. I expect she can, for I remember we seemed to have the whole place to ourselves.”</p> @@ -2970,9 +2968,9 @@ we won’t own up till they might be getting anxious, except perhaps to daddy and Winnie, and they’ll keep counsel all right. What fun it will be!”</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER X</span> <span class="smaller">GRACE LEARNS THE NEWS</span></h2> @@ -2996,7 +2994,7 @@ Press.</p> <p>The theory advanced, and considerably elaborated, was that which Thomson had propounded over the ’phone, and much stress was laid on the -fact that the murderer had missed some at least of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> his anticipated +fact that the murderer had missed some at least of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> his anticipated spoil—the gold purse—with much conjecture as to whether the bag had contained any other valuables.</p> @@ -3033,7 +3031,7 @@ dinner——”</p> <p>He nodded. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p> <p>“It was because I got away so much earlier than I expected that I walked from the station, and presently I saw her walking rapidly a few @@ -3068,7 +3066,7 @@ perplexedly.</p> before he turned to her again, and spoke with curious hesitation.</p> <p>“You see, it’s this way, darling. I’m thinking of Sir Robert, and of -him alone. I fear there is a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> great deal more behind this—this crime +him alone. I fear there is a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> great deal more behind this—this crime than appears on the surface. The Press don’t know of it yet, that’s evident; the police may suspect, but I doubt if they <i>know</i>—in fact they can’t know everything unless they’ve seen those papers that were @@ -3098,7 +3096,7 @@ he’d got nothing, got rid of the evidence instantly, very cleverly too—chucked the bag through the window of the cab, and slipped the envelope into the nearest post box.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p> <p>“You are sure she had those papers?”</p> @@ -3130,7 +3128,7 @@ nobler part. He would have no secrets from her, except such secrets of State as were entrusted to him by his chief; and this was not one of those. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p> <p>“I’ll tell you the whole thing from first to last, darling,” he said, seating himself beside her. “The moment I knew the papers were stolen @@ -3160,7 +3158,7 @@ wait, and there wasn’t another in sight.”</p> <p>“There never is thereabouts.”</p> -<p>“That’s why I was so late—that and the fog. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> jumped on a tram, got +<p>“That’s why I was so late—that and the fog. I<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> jumped on a tram, got down at the Avenue, and plunged right into the fog. My hat! how thick it was—you couldn’t see your hand before your face! Pretty position for a bridegroom, eh? I thought I never should get through in time; @@ -3190,7 +3188,7 @@ coming back, as I could do nothing; I offered to, you know——”< <p>“Of course, dear,” Grace assented. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span></p> <p>“And our plan holds? We’ll be off to St. Margaret’s?”</p> @@ -3225,7 +3223,7 @@ few minutes.”</p> <p>Of course he didn’t mind, though he did wonder; and, after he had lovingly watched her slender figure mount the steps and disappear through the churchyard, he backed the car into a by-way, hailed a -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>village lad and bade him keep an eye on it, and then followed her.</p> +<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>village lad and bade him keep an eye on it, and then followed her.</p> <p>She was kneeling, her face bowed on her hands in prayer.</p> @@ -3254,15 +3252,15 @@ straightforward, and so steadfast.</p> <p>He felt strangely humble, yet strangely happy, and from his own heart there went up a little silent prayer: “God make me worthy of her!”</p> -<p>“And now for dear old Miss Culpepper,” she <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>announced almost gaily as +<p>“And now for dear old Miss Culpepper,” she <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>announced almost gaily as they settled themselves in the car once more, and Roger dismissed the attendant lad with a generous tip. “Oh, I do hope we shall find her at home, and that she can put us up. Down the hill, Roger, and the first turning. I’ll tell you where to stop.”</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XI</span> <span class="smaller">HALCYON DAYS</span></h2> @@ -3287,7 +3285,7 @@ you go in, and she’ll love you for ever. S-sh!”</p> knocker, and letter box, was opened by a small, spare, trim little woman, who might have stepped out of the pages of “Punch” some forty years ago. She wore her white hair in a closely curled “fringe,” neatly -held in place by a fine net,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> with an absurd little butterfly bow of +held in place by a fine net,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> with an absurd little butterfly bow of black lace perched on the crown of her head, presumably as a sort of apology for a cap. The skirt of her long, skimpy gown of black merino was trimmed with a series of tiny frills of the same stuff, and had @@ -3315,7 +3313,7 @@ to tender my congratulations, my dear, to you both. And pray step in.”</p> <p>She led the way into the parlour on the right—a cosy and charming little room, spotlessly clean and bright.</p> -<p>“I shall be delighted to accommodate you, to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> extent of my very +<p>“I shall be delighted to accommodate you, to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> extent of my very humble <i>menace</i>. As you may remember, my dear Miss—I mean, Mrs. Carling—I retain no domestic during the winter months, when I so seldom have any guests, though I am very glad when they do come, like @@ -3344,7 +3342,7 @@ quite quietly in her arms without evincing any emotion whatever.</p> <p>“It’s the same animal, my dear, whom you were so fond of as a kitten,” Miss Culpepper explained in a discreet whisper; “but unfortunately -she proved to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> be a—a female; very embarrassing! So she is now +she proved to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> be a—a female; very embarrassing! So she is now <i>inconnu</i> as ‘Cleopatra.’ Perhaps I should not have said unfortunate though, for a lady near possesses a most beautiful Persian with whom Cleopatra—er—mates; and the provender are exquisite, and provide @@ -3372,7 +3370,7 @@ enough.”</p> <p>“Oh, yes, quite old enough, just three months to-day; indeed one has already gone—Cæsarion—to the clergyman who was staying here when they were tiny, and bespoke him at once. It was he who named them. This is -the other—er—male, ‘Dear<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> Brutus.’ Why ‘Dear’ I really don’t know, +the other—er—male, ‘Dear<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> Brutus.’ Why ‘Dear’ I really don’t know, though naturally he is very dear to me. And his sister is Semiramis, because she is so <i>melligerent</i>. The Rev. Smithson—such a learned man, my dear Mrs. Carling—said she would certainly grow up into a warrior @@ -3401,7 +3399,7 @@ big cooking aprons, and with Dear Brutus perched on her shoulder, busily putting the finishing touches to the table, while a delicious fragrance of omelette was wafted from the kitchen.</p> -<p>A very dainty meal the resourceful old lady <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>managed to serve at such +<p>A very dainty meal the resourceful old lady <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>managed to serve at such short notice, and how they enjoyed it!</p> <p>For the time the shadow had passed from them. London and the Rawsons, @@ -3431,7 +3429,7 @@ Broadwood piano, and sang old songs, played snatches of old melodies, grave and gay, finishing up with Sullivan’s tender and wistful love duet: </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p> <div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> <div>None shall part us from each other,</div> @@ -3467,7 +3465,7 @@ at night.”</p> Poor Sir Robert! My heart aches for him; and I—I feel almost ashamed of our happiness, Roger, when I think of his crushing sorrow.”</p> -<p>“I know. But, after all, it wouldn’t do him any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> good—or her either, +<p>“I know. But, after all, it wouldn’t do him any<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> good—or her either, poor soul!—if we were to try to be as miserable as anything. Come along, sweetheart, let’s get out into the sunshine. The car’s a regular peach, isn’t she? And what weather! Perfect ‘Indian summer,’ by Jove! @@ -3497,7 +3495,7 @@ long been perfect understanding, perfect sympathy between them.</p> the hill together to the little church, and with full hearts made their “sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.” As they knelt before the altar, I am sure they silently renewed those solemn vows they had made three -short days before; as I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> am very sure also that Grace’s gentle soul +short days before; as I<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> am very sure also that Grace’s gentle soul sent up a fervent prayer for that of Paula Rawson, the beautiful woman whose fate had been so strange and sudden and terrible.</p> @@ -3528,7 +3526,7 @@ dinner—there will be no one to prepare it!”</p> reminded her that the pheasant would keep till to-morrow and there was plenty in the house for supper. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p> <p>Her housewifely scruples set at rest, in what a delightful flutter of excitement she retired to “dress,” reappearing enveloped in quite an @@ -3557,7 +3555,7 @@ her, and between smiles and tears Miss Culpepper continued: “Do you know there’s only one little thing in this happy, happy day I’d have wished different, and you’ll think it silly of me. But, though the lovely music in the cathedral thrilled me, I <i>did</i> wish they had chosen -another anthem. ‘Hear my prayer, O<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> Lord, incline Thine ear, consider +another anthem. ‘Hear my prayer, O<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> Lord, incline Thine ear, consider my complaint,’ is most beautiful, but I couldn’t really echo it to-day, for I hadn’t any ‘complaint’ to make to Him. I’d have liked them to sing the Hallelujah Chorus, and I believe I should not only have stood @@ -3591,9 +3589,9 @@ gentleman wishes to speak to you.”</p> <p>“Just so—and alone, if you please, ma’am,” said Snell.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XII</span> <span class="smaller">ALONE</span></h2> @@ -3621,7 +3619,7 @@ not hear”; and, after a moment’s hesitation, Roger said:</p> business with me?”</p> <p>And then—and then—the shock came, or rather was intensified, for when -she first saw these two men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> of ill-omen a strange, swift premonition +she first saw these two men<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> of ill-omen a strange, swift premonition told her what their errand was.</p> <p>So when Snell—more embarrassed than he had ever before felt in the @@ -3652,7 +3650,7 @@ circumstances, Snell fully expected a violent hysterical outburst, but, as he afterwards confided to his wife, he had never seen such marvellous self-possession as Mrs. Carling displayed.</p> -<p>“I never felt sorrier for anyone in my life, nor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> ever felt a greater +<p>“I never felt sorrier for anyone in my life, nor<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> ever felt a greater respect for anyone. She was simply splendid! And it was rough on her, poor girl—on their honeymoon and all; and of course she had nothing in the world to do with the crime. And she loves him and believes in him @@ -3683,9 +3681,9 @@ reasonable time for the present.”</p> <p>“Thank you. Who are your solicitors, Roger?”</p> -<p>“The only firm <i>I</i> know anything about are Twinnings—Sir Robert’s +<p>“The only firm <i>I</i> know anything about are Twinings—Sir Robert’s solicitors, you know; but they’ve never done any business for me -personally. I’ve<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> never needed it. I’d better communicate with them. I +personally. I’ve<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> never needed it. I’d better communicate with them. I suppose I shall have facility for that?” he added, glancing at Snell. “I don’t know anything about these things, or the procedure, myself.”</p> @@ -3716,7 +3714,7 @@ world—soon!”</p> <p>She stood in the porch and watched him, all her soul in her eyes, managed even to smile and waft a last kiss to him as he leaned forward for one final glimpse. Then, as the sound of the motor died away in -the distance, she went back to the parlour<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> and sat down, in dumb, +the distance, she went back to the parlour<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> and sat down, in dumb, stricken, tearless misery.</p> <p>All the time little Miss Culpepper had fluttered about in a state of @@ -3746,7 +3744,7 @@ to say that dear young gentleman could have done such a thing—he to whom Cleopatra has taken as she has never taken to any human being of the sterner sex, not even to the Reverend Smithson, though he is such a learned man. And I trust Cleopatra’s common sense against all the -judges and juries in the world!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> But, my darling girl, you must excuse +judges and juries in the world!<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> But, my darling girl, you must excuse me—I can’t help it—for you <i>are</i> a darling and so is your dear, handsome young husband—no wonder you are so distressed! But don’t sit like that! Weep, my love, weep; it will ease your poor heart! As @@ -3776,7 +3774,7 @@ course, I <i>knew</i> you were only just married; though I pretended I didn’t, as you didn’t tell me in so many words. And to think of the honeymoon ending like this!”</p> -<p>“It hasn’t ended,” said Grace. “Roger will be,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> he must be, +<p>“It hasn’t ended,” said Grace. “Roger will be,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> he must be, released—soon; to-day, perhaps. But I must be up and doing—I must get back to Town by the next train; and I must go to the garage and see about having the car sent back to Dover.”</p> @@ -3806,7 +3804,7 @@ return, for to-day at least.</p> and she strove against it valiantly. She must put aside all selfish considerations, and be brave and calm—for Roger’s sake.</p> -<p>From the station she sent a wire to her mother,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> and one to Winnie +<p>From the station she sent a wire to her mother,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> and one to Winnie Winston, giving the time of her arrival at Charing Cross.</p> <p>There was no one to meet her, but she was not surprised; Winnie would @@ -3838,7 +3836,7 @@ for Sir Robert Rawson.”</p> <p>It flashed to her mind instantly what this meant, and she spoke impulsively.</p> -<p>“Mr. Twining, surely Sir Robert does not for a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> moment believe my +<p>“Mr. Twining, surely Sir Robert does not for a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> moment believe my husband is guilty of this—this awful thing?” He did not answer, and his eyes avoided her steady, searching gaze. “No one who really knows Roger could believe it for a moment,” she continued; “and Sir Robert @@ -3872,7 +3870,7 @@ instructed the cab-driver, and at the next corner he pulled up for the purpose.</p> <p>It was the final edition with half the front page occupied by the -latest news of the “Rawson Murder<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> Mystery,” which included a brief +latest news of the “Rawson Murder<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> Mystery,” which included a brief account of Roger’s arrest, and also the full story of the secret service papers that had been stolen and restored, very much as Roger had narrated it to her, with no hint as to the actual contents of @@ -3907,7 +3905,7 @@ know.</p> <p>She went swiftly through the hall, entered the drawing-room, and closed the door behind her. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> <p>Her mother was seated by the fire—a remarkably pretty woman, with fair hair and turquoise-blue eyes, who looked younger than her daughter @@ -3940,7 +3938,7 @@ stabbed her as he couldn’t get them any other way; and then had the nerve to come on and be married to you—to <i>my</i> daughter! No wonder he was so late, and looked so disreputable. I never liked him, I never trusted him—you know I didn’t; but I never dreamed that he was capable -of such a horrible thing. As I say, he must have been mad, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> that +of such a horrible thing. As I say, he must have been mad, but<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> that doesn’t make it any better for us; and what on earth we are to do I don’t know! If only——”</p> @@ -3971,9 +3969,9 @@ him?” said Winnie staunchly.</p> <p>“God bless you for that, Winnie,” cried Grace brokenly. “Oh, my dear, take me out of this—anywhere, anywhere!”</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XIII</span> <span class="smaller">AUSTIN’S THEORY</span></h2> @@ -3999,7 +3997,7 @@ blessed sleep and oblivion to the tortured brain and heart.</p> turned up, to whom she poured out her indignation at Mrs. Armitage’s callous conduct.</p> -<p>“I always guessed she could be a holy terror if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> she chose. Though she +<p>“I always guessed she could be a holy terror if<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> she chose. Though she has always been mighty civil to me,” said Austin.</p> <p>“Of course. She always is to men, and most of them think she’s an @@ -4028,7 +4026,7 @@ Armitage—her conduct was just abominable—but we’ve got to face Miss Winnie; and the great fact is that I’m afraid a good few people are of the same opinion.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span></p> <p>Winnie sprang up, a passionate figure, and pointed an accusing forefinger at him.</p> @@ -4068,7 +4066,7 @@ best foundation on which a man and a woman can build the love that lasts!</p> <p>And now—though how it came about neither of them could have said—her -hands were in his, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> drew her, unresisting to his arms, and their +hands were in his, he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> drew her, unresisting to his arms, and their lips met for the first time.</p> <p>A wonderful moment for them both, when, without another word, he knew @@ -4101,7 +4099,7 @@ so many questions. I went straight to the flat.”</p> <p>“I never told anyone; but I soon found that Snell knew all about it too, and as he kept silence so did I. Though what I couldn’t make out was <i>why</i> Roger went on her track like that, when he had so little time -to spare. It was an utter mystery till I got the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> clue when the news +to spare. It was an utter mystery till I got the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> clue when the news came through about those secret papers, and I went straight to Sir Robert and saw him. It was he who sent it; Snell must have known it all the time and suppressed it—never gave even me a hint.”</p> @@ -4129,7 +4127,7 @@ is simply awful. The queer thing is that he acknowledges that those papers were of such supreme importance that—well honestly, I gathered the impression that if anyone but his own wife had been murdered in order to recover them he’d have considered the crime justifiable and -tried to hush it up. The things we’re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> most up against are that Roger +tried to hush it up. The things we’re<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> most up against are that Roger undoubtedly was there on the scene, and that he was the one person concerned who knew the contents of the papers and was most interested in getting them back to Sir Robert. You and I, and poor Mrs. Carling @@ -4165,7 +4163,7 @@ the direction in which the truth will be found. Snell doesn’t. <i>He</i> is sure he’s got a clear, straightforward case, and that his duty’s finished!” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> <p>Winnie frowned thoughtfully.</p> @@ -4191,9 +4189,9 @@ how are you going to set about it?”</p> <p>“Perhaps something fresh and helpful will come out in court to-morrow,” said Winnie hopefully.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XIV</span> <span class="smaller">THE GIRL AT THE GRAVE</span></h2> @@ -4218,7 +4216,7 @@ a damp, dark, dreary morning.</p> <p>Crowds of sightseers thronged the pavements outside, waiting and watching, palpably animated by their curiosity to witness one of the -acts in this <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>sensational drama of real life that had already proved so +acts in this <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>sensational drama of real life that had already proved so thrilling, and that had yet to be played out.</p> <p>There were more crowds outside the cemetery gates, through which only @@ -4250,7 +4248,7 @@ look like foreigners. Didn’t see ’em at the church.”</p> <p>He indicated two groups that had assembled each side the grave, from which the reporters stood a little apart. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> <p>“Don’t know,” Austin returned curtly, with a gesture imposing silence.</p> @@ -4282,7 +4280,7 @@ lips.</p> <p>She was one of the most beautiful creatures he had ever seen, quite young, probably not more than seventeen, Italian certainly; no other -country could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> produce that vivid, passionate type, that exquisite +country could<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> produce that vivid, passionate type, that exquisite contour of cheek and throat, that delicate olive skin, birthright of daughters of the sun, those wonderful, tawny eyes shadowed by the long, black lashes.</p> @@ -4311,7 +4309,7 @@ incarnate, obsessed by anger, hatred, jealousy.</p> <p>Instinctively he looked around to see what had caused this extraordinary emotion, and saw that something had happened by the grave. The Russian group had closed up around Melikoff, towards whom -the priests and Mr. Twining had turned as if<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> in shocked remonstrance, +the priests and Mr. Twining had turned as if<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> in shocked remonstrance, while the men who were in the very act of lowering the coffin had paused, and the great purple heart of flowers lay, face downwards, right on the margin of the moss-lined grave.</p> @@ -4343,7 +4341,7 @@ was evidence!</p> <p>She loved Boris Melikoff; she hated that dead woman with a hatred that even the grave could not mitigate.</p> -<p>Was this the clue he sought? Who was she?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> What was her connection with +<p>Was this the clue he sought? Who was she?<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> What was her connection with Cacciola—with Melikoff? He must learn that without delay.</p> <p>Cacciola was already hastening towards Boris and his friends, while @@ -4372,7 +4370,7 @@ had come laden with flowers, whose heavy, sickly fragrance still clung about it.</p> <p>“I am sure you will excuse the liberty, sir,” said Thomson, in his -precise, respectful way. “I would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> have liked to have a word with you +precise, respectful way. “I would<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> have liked to have a word with you yesterday when you called on Sir Robert, but it was impossible.”</p> <p>Austin nodded, wondering what was coming. Somewhat to his surprise, @@ -4406,7 +4404,7 @@ soon as possible.”</p> <p>“I beg your pardon, sir, a what?” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p> <p>“Someone who had a grudge against Lady Rawson and watched for the chance of killing her?”</p> @@ -4441,7 +4439,7 @@ wife, and my best wishes that they will soon be restored to each other.”</ <p>“Queer old coon,” he thought, as he dashed up to his room. “So that was all he wanted. Very decent of him though.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p> <p>Then he concentrated on his work. He was just through when Winnie rang him up, to say that Grace and her father had returned to the flat and @@ -4484,7 +4482,7 @@ to-morrow.”</p> <p>He replaced the receiver, and again sat in thought, drumming softly with his fingers on the table. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> <p>So she was Cacciola’s niece, and was living, or at least staying, with him, under the same roof as Boris Melikoff.</p> @@ -4492,9 +4490,9 @@ him, under the same roof as Boris Melikoff.</p> <p>What a voice! Worthy of her face, her eyes. And a beautiful name too; he found himself repeating it in a whisper: “Maddelena!”</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XV</span> <span class="smaller">AUSTIN’S SILENCE</span></h2> @@ -4521,7 +4519,7 @@ he followed Lady Rawson, and how it was he was so late at the church, he said, in quite an offhand way, that he knew all about that, and Roger would of course embody it in his statement at the proper time; but that his—Roger’s—unsupported account of his own movements was -no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> use as evidence! You can’t think what a shock it gave me, Winnie; +no<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> use as evidence! You can’t think what a shock it gave me, Winnie; it was the way he said it. And then he explained that ‘fortunately the onus of proof rests with the prosecution, and not with the defence: it is for them to prove him guilty, not for us to prove him innocent.’ @@ -4551,7 +4549,7 @@ unable to find words of comfort.</p> <p>All that long day Grace had borne herself bravely. Betimes in the morning she had gone to Spedding’s office, and thence, with the lawyer, to the police court, where, in a private room, she had a brief -half-hour with Roger—only five minutes or so alone with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> him, for they +half-hour with Roger—only five minutes or so alone with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> him, for they had to consult with Mr. Spedding; but those five minutes were precious indeed.</p> @@ -4582,7 +4580,7 @@ who had travelled all night to be with her; and she smiled at him, too, and sat with her hand in his, and Winnie Winston on the other side, through the ordeal of the police court; sat with her eyes fixed on Roger most of the time, utterly unconscious of the scrutiny and -whispered comments of the fashionably dressed women who had literally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> +whispered comments of the fashionably dressed women who had literally<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> fought their way into the court in ghoulish anticipation of sensation.</p> <p>The ordeal to-day was not prolonged, for, to the manifest @@ -4611,7 +4609,7 @@ housekeeping, as they had already furnished the charming little flat in Buckingham Gate which was to be their first home.</p> <p>Grace herself had a tiny income, only just over a hundred a year, a -legacy from an aunt, but it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> strictly tied up under a trustee, and +legacy from an aunt, but it was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> strictly tied up under a trustee, and she could not touch the principal.</p> <p>Therefore this question of money was a new and terrible difficulty that @@ -4647,7 +4645,7 @@ off his coat in the little hall.</p> <p>“Any news?”</p> <p>“Not yet. I’ve been on duty all day, dear. Only just free. I rang up -Cacciola, but he wasn’t<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> in, or I’d have gone around to his place +Cacciola, but he wasn’t<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> in, or I’d have gone around to his place instead of coming here. How’s Grace?”</p> <p>“Terribly down, though she’s been so plucky all day. Come along. She’s @@ -4680,7 +4678,7 @@ Roger’s keeping his heart up and so are you? Good!”</p> <p>“Trying to, <i>padre</i>.”</p> <p>“You’re going to, both of you, all the time, however long or short it -is. It’s a black streak, child,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> but the help and guidance will come +is. It’s a black streak, child,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> but the help and guidance will come day by day till you’re through it and out into the sunshine again.”</p> <p>“I’ve been telling the vicar about this money trouble, darling,” @@ -4714,7 +4712,7 @@ nothing with Roger’s life and liberty in the opposite scale.</p> <p>“George and I too,” she said. “I’ve told Grace so already. I don’t know how much yet, Mr. Iverson, but I’ve lots of engagements for Christmas -and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> after—good ones, too—so I shall be quite rich.”</p> +and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> after—good ones, too—so I shall be quite rich.”</p> <p>The vicar beamed round at them all and rubbed the shining little bald circle on his crown in a way he had when he was pleased. That bald @@ -4748,7 +4746,7 @@ way,” remarked the vicar.</p> <p>“Do you know him, sir?” asked Austin quickly. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> <p>“Only slightly, but I like him immensely. He’s a Catholic, of course—and a good one, I should say. I often encounter him on Sunday @@ -4780,7 +4778,7 @@ said Austin.</p> means that they have to go out at the shop door and in at the side one before they can get to their own rooms. I was just consoling the good lady—with the suggestion that now she would have more walks abroad and -fresh air than she’s had for years; no use condoling, you know, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> +fresh air than she’s had for years; no use condoling, you know, that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> would only make things seem worse than they are—when in comes Mr. Cacciola and his niece, one of the loveliest girls I’ve ever seen in my life.”</p> @@ -4810,7 +4808,7 @@ place. It might have been made on purpose—a regular death-trap—for the booth is really in a narrow passage that at some time has been thrown into the shop, and the door of it opens outwards, towards the shop. Just beyond is the scullery-place, and <i>I</i> think it probable the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>murderer was lurking there when Jessie Jackson came down to help her +<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>murderer was lurking there when Jessie Jackson came down to help her aunt. And close at hand, on the right, is the street door, through which he simply walked out.”</p> @@ -4841,7 +4839,7 @@ do you know, her manner rather shocked me. It takes a lot to do that! She seemed positively to gloat over that horrible, tragic, dark corner. Cacciola was quite distressed, and remonstrated with her—at least I’m sure he did, though he spoke in Italian, which I don’t understand, -and she answered him very briefly, in a passionate <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>whisper, and then +and she answered him very briefly, in a passionate <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>whisper, and then simply walked off, and Cacciola made a sort of incoherent apology and hurried after her. I couldn’t help thinking there was something mentally wrong—a most grievous thing, especially in one so young and @@ -4851,9 +4849,9 @@ beautiful and talented.”</p> the elder men had gone, did he say that he knew aught of Maddelena Cacciola, though why he kept silence he really did not know.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XVI</span> <span class="smaller">MADDELENA</span></h2> @@ -4878,7 +4876,7 @@ than to prove her guilty of stealing that silver cigarette case! That, she was convinced, was what “they of the police” were after, and the murder of “Donna Paula” was quite a secondary consideration.</p> -<p>Maddelena shrugged her pretty shoulders and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> went on with her task, +<p>Maddelena shrugged her pretty shoulders and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> went on with her task, setting a dainty breakfast-tray with a little silver service. For all her sharp words to Giulia, there was a smile on her lips, and her fine, capable white hands touched the inanimate things caressingly; for she @@ -4911,7 +4909,7 @@ down the long passage that led to Melikoff’s room.</p> <p>Maddelena stood frowning for a minute or more, then shrugged her shoulders again, administered a petulant shake to the sobbing Giulia, -poured out a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> big cup of coffee, and handed it to the old woman, +poured out a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> big cup of coffee, and handed it to the old woman, sternly bidding her drink it and cease her fuss, and finally sat down to her own breakfast, breaking her roll and dabbing on butter with angry, jerky movements, and scolding Giulia between mouthfuls.</p> @@ -4942,7 +4940,7 @@ but Cacciola and his companions were admitted through the official entrance, and given seats in the front row, just above and behind the solicitors’ table.</p> -<p>A few minutes later such spectators as could be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> accommodated swarmed +<p>A few minutes later such spectators as could be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> accommodated swarmed in, pushing for places; and presently the body of the little court began to fill up, as solicitors, clerks, and reporters drifted in and took their places.</p> @@ -4971,7 +4969,7 @@ imagine that he had ever seen her before, and that his interest in her was deeper and more complex than that which an exceptionally pretty girl inspires in most men, young or old.</p> -<p>When she stole another glance at him he was no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> longer looking in her +<p>When she stole another glance at him he was no<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> longer looking in her direction, but was listening with frigid courtesy to a fair-haired woman in a seal coat and expensive hat, who had just come in with a tall, thin, grey-haired man, and was looking up coquettishly into @@ -5004,7 +5002,7 @@ Miss Winston is with her. That is good.”</p> to see Grace Carling’s face, but she kept her heavy veil down, and appeared absolutely unconscious of the presence of those inquisitive onlookers, as she gravely accepted her mother’s effusive greeting, and -then seated herself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> with her back to the crowd, where she would have +then seated herself<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> with her back to the crowd, where she would have an uninterrupted view of her husband when he should be brought into the dock.</p> @@ -5037,7 +5035,7 @@ he is very obstinate, our poor Boris, and distracted with grief. But he will—he must—recover in time.”</p> <p>Winnie nodded sympathetically and retreated, much to the relief -of Austin Starr, who from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> distance had watched the incident +of Austin Starr, who from the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> distance had watched the incident uneasily, though why he should be disturbed he could not have said. But thenceforth, for the greater part of that grim day, he concentrated his attention chiefly on those three, feeling more and more convinced @@ -5064,7 +5062,7 @@ intently as Austin Starr watched her.</p> <p>As he watched, Austin’s perplexity increased. At first her expressive face revealed a most curious emotion, in which there was no trace of -the hatred and resentment betrayed so plainly by Boris <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>Melikoff, or +the hatred and resentment betrayed so plainly by Boris <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>Melikoff, or of the fury that had distorted it by Paula Rawson’s grave. On the contrary, she looked at Roger admiringly, exultantly, as women look at a hero who has done some great deed. Austin felt that he really would @@ -5094,7 +5092,7 @@ moment the murder must have been committed, though none of the people who were in and out of the shop at the time, and who had all been traced and summoned as witnesses, could swear to having seen him. There was the agreement of time and place; even allowing for the delay caused -by the fog, there was ample time for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> him to reach the church, “late +by the fog, there was ample time for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> him to reach the church, “late and agitated” as he undoubtedly was, after committing the crime.</p> <p>Above all, there, on the table, was the possible—nay, almost certainly @@ -5124,7 +5122,7 @@ street, just by the house door, and out of sight from the shop, and smoked a “gasper” while he waited.</p> <p>Presently he got down, had another squint into the shop, saw Mrs. Cave -was now alone, so sounded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> his horn, “in a sort of signal we have,” and +was now alone, so sounded<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> his horn, “in a sort of signal we have,” and Jessie immediately came down and let him in at the side door. How long he was up in the kitchen with her he couldn’t say—not exactly—till her aunt called her down.</p> @@ -5155,7 +5153,7 @@ softly to Boris, who, the moment Roger Carling disappeared from sight, had sunk down in his former attitude, looking utterly exhausted.</p> <p>Starr could not hear what she said, but she seemed to be remonstrating -with him, tenderly and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>anxiously, while from her big brocaded bag she +with him, tenderly and <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>anxiously, while from her big brocaded bag she produced a thermos flask, poured out a cup of fragrant Russian tea—it smelt as if it was laced with brandy as well as lemon!—and coaxed him to drink, just as a mother might coax a sick and fretful child.</p> @@ -5167,9 +5165,9 @@ at Rivercourt Mansions that evening. He was most anxious to begin a near study of that “psychological problem” of which Maddelena Cacciola was the most perplexing—yes, and the most attractive element!</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XVII</span> <span class="smaller">THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEM</span></h2> @@ -5197,7 +5195,7 @@ Maddelena will bring soon? She is now preparing it.”</p> <p>“And none makes it better than Maddelena,” said the old man, settling himself in his own great chair, and resuming his pipe. “It is well indeed for us all that she is at home at this time, for, alas! we are a -sick household, with Boris and my poor old Giulia<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> so much distressed +sick household, with Boris and my poor old Giulia<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> so much distressed by this terrible event, which touched us so nearly through our poor Boris.”</p> @@ -5230,7 +5228,7 @@ school; she has been educated here in England, and since two years has been studying in Milan. She should be there now, the naughty one, but the moment she heard the news of this terrible thing she came back, travelling night and day. I was vexed, yes; with a musician, music -should always come first, and her impulse will retard her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> career; but +should always come first, and her impulse will retard her<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> career; but I do not know what we should have done without her. None can manage Boris and our old Giulia as Maddelena does,” he added with an indulgent smile.</p> @@ -5260,7 +5258,7 @@ of resignation.</p> voices for instance, would pass as good. But a Cacciola who sings must excel, and my Maddelena will never excel——”</p> -<p>“As a singer! My uncle is on his old grievance,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> said Maddelena +<p>“As a singer! My uncle is on his old grievance,”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> said Maddelena herself, as she entered carrying the coffee-tray, and flashed an amused glance from one to the other.</p> @@ -5291,7 +5289,7 @@ her?”</p> <p>“She is still in such a state of nerves that she is no use at all. It is very foolish of her.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> <p>“Have patience, <i>carissima</i>; she will get over it in time. We all shall,” said Cacciola soothingly.</p> @@ -5325,7 +5323,7 @@ with charity of the dead!”</p> <p>“That is my uncle all over. Oh, yes, ‘speak with charity, think with charity!’ For me, I cannot, I will not, when I think of Paula Rawson. -I am glad she is dead. If I made any other pretence I should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> be a +I am glad she is dead. If I made any other pretence I should<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> be a hypocrite. This is the truth, Mr. Starr—my uncle knows it, though he will not say so now. We were so happy together, he and I and Boris, a year ago, when I came home from Milan for the winter vacation. You, @@ -5356,7 +5354,7 @@ expostulation.</p> <p>“They used to come and go like shadows, seeing only Boris, and whoever might chance to admit them when he did not—Giulia or my uncle usually. -She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>—Paula—actually had a key, and could let herself into this, <i>our</i> +She<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>—Paula—actually had a key, and could let herself into this, <i>our</i> home, if you please, whenever she liked. I was always furious about it, as was Giulia, and my uncle did not like it. He should have forbidden it, as I told him a hundred times.”</p> @@ -5387,7 +5385,7 @@ convinced of that, although appearances are so terribly against him.”</p> <p>“I know. The <i>maestro</i> told me so just before you came in. Now we’ve got to find out the truth, to trace the murderer, before the trial -comes on, and we’ve only a very few weeks to do it in. It’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> no use +comes on, and we’ve only a very few weeks to do it in. It’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> no use going to the police, unless and until we’ve got something definite to put them on. They think the case is clear and their duty done.”</p> @@ -5421,7 +5419,7 @@ many times when I would have done so if I could. And I tell you that if I knew who did I would do all in my power to shield him.”</p> <p>“But not if an innocent man should suffer in his place,” he urged. -“Miss Cacciola, I implore you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> if you know anything—even if you +“Miss Cacciola, I implore you<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> if you know anything—even if you suspect anything or anyone——”</p> <p>“I neither know nor suspect anything,” she interrupted decisively. @@ -5452,7 +5450,7 @@ are unfortunate.” She gave him another hug, and resumed her seat, continuing: “Do you know he used to give them food if he was at home and knew they were there with Boris, slinking in by one and two after dark? Well, he would bid Giulia make a good meal; and she did, -grumbling. But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> she was never permitted to take in the dishes—no, nor +grumbling. But<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> she was never permitted to take in the dishes—no, nor even to peep into the room. Boris always came and took them from her!”</p> <p>“What is a little food?” protested Cacciola. “I do not believe there is @@ -5480,7 +5478,7 @@ round the room, and noting a small table near the door moved towards it.</p> <i>portière</i>, gently closing. Next instant he remembered that Maddelena had certainly shut the door after her when she entered; he had noticed the clever little backward kick with which she did so, and had heard -the click of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> latch. None of them had been anywhere near the door +the click of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> latch. None of them had been anywhere near the door since. Who then was outside?</p> <p>Striding swiftly across the room he dropped rather than set the tray on @@ -5516,7 +5514,7 @@ will go to Giulia,” she said, motioning Austin to stay where he was.</p> the end, and switch on a light. From within the room, even at that distance, he could hear a sonorous snore. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p> <p>Maddelena put out the light, closed Giulia’s door, and beckoned to Austin to join her.</p> @@ -5551,7 +5549,7 @@ after that we have to admit ourselves with our pass-key.”</p> <p>“How many keys to this door have you?” asked Austin, after looking out into the night and closing the door, latching it this time. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p> <p>“Only one—my uncle has it; and if others are late they must rouse the porter.”</p> @@ -5561,9 +5559,9 @@ Lady Rawson had, and lost,” said Austin, when they had returned to the drawing-room. “Take my advice, Mr. Cacciola, and have a new lock to your front door to-morrow. And don’t leave any spare keys around!”</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XVIII</span> <span class="smaller">HARMONY—AND DISCORD</span></h2> @@ -5590,7 +5588,7 @@ I can only assure you that you’re jolly well mistaken!”</p> <p>“You’ve got it fixed up in your mind that Roger Carling is guilty, and you won’t look any further,” Austin said bitterly.</p> -<p>“I haven’t. It’s for a jury to decide whether<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> he’s guilty or innocent. +<p>“I haven’t. It’s for a jury to decide whether<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> he’s guilty or innocent. And if you or anyone else can point to any clue in any other direction that I haven’t followed up and sifted I’ll go to work again instantly. As for the Russians——” He touched an electric button on his table, @@ -5620,7 +5618,7 @@ the old signor to allow it. That the lot?”—as the clerk re-entered bringing several neatly arranged sets of papers. “All right, leave them for the present. Now, Mr. Starr, here you are. Take your time.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span></p> <p>He pushed the papers across the table to Austin, and resumed his own work.</p> @@ -5656,7 +5654,7 @@ suggested Austin. “You told me so yourself.”</p> <p>“If their meetings were so harmless why did she steal those papers from her husband?” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p> <p>“Ah, that’s quite another question, Mr. Starr. Her motive doesn’t matter in the least, so far as tracking her murderer is concerned; and @@ -5690,7 +5688,7 @@ no such smears on the envelope, though.”</p> <p>“Lots—from Carling’s own to Lord Warrington’s; it had been handled by half a dozen people at least—quite legitimately. Carling’s -prints, of course—though they’re the clearest of the lot under the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> +prints, of course—though they’re the clearest of the lot under the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> microscope—won’t be regarded as evidence against him, as he was the first to handle and seal the envelope the night before. All that will be threshed out at the trial.”</p> @@ -5720,7 +5718,7 @@ quite sure. He had never been of a susceptible nature where women were concerned; had always held to the high ideals of love and marriage derived from a long line of Puritan ancestors, for he came of a sound New English stock. He loved Winnie Winston; he meant to marry her; -would have been profoundly indignant at any <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>suggestion that he could +would have been profoundly indignant at any <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>suggestion that he could waver in his allegiance to her.</p> <p>And yet at intervals ever since he first saw Maddelena Cacciola beside @@ -5752,7 +5750,7 @@ harmony.</p> <p>The voice ceased. There followed a beautiful little ascending passage on the violin, which he strained his ears to hear, a final grand -chord on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> piano. Then silence. He touched the bell at last, and +chord on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> piano. Then silence. He touched the bell at last, and instantly the door was opened by Giulia, who beamed a welcome to him and whispered:</p> @@ -5784,7 +5782,7 @@ has had the privilege of hearing him in private, for he will sing again presently. But come, you have not yet seen an old friend of yours, who happily is also here: my dear young pupil, Miss Winston.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> <p>Why he should have experienced an extraordinary sensation of embarrassment and dismay Austin really did not know, but he certainly @@ -5818,7 +5816,7 @@ Now sit down again, my child, and here is a chair for Mr. Starr.”</p> <p>Maddelena had taken her uncle’s hint and gone to hurry up Giulia with the tea, and Boris followed her. Austin heard her laugh as they went -along the passage. Truly the atmosphere here had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> changed marvellously +along the passage. Truly the atmosphere here had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> changed marvellously in these few days. He sat down in the chair Cacciola had pulled up close to Winnie’s, but for once in his life could find nothing to say to her; while she virtually ignored him, and chatted with the <i>maestro</i> @@ -5848,7 +5846,7 @@ me at three? Good! It is strange, for it went so well before; but, as you say, you are tired, I should not have insisted. Now, Boris, once more?”</p> -<p>Melikoff, sprawling on the hearthrug and looking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> through a pile of +<p>Melikoff, sprawling on the hearthrug and looking<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> through a pile of music, selected a book of Russian songs, and began to rise.</p> <p>“Not those!” said Maddelena imperatively, snatching the book from @@ -5878,7 +5876,7 @@ world for the moment.</p> <p>When the last exquisite note died away there was a little interval of silence more eloquent than any words. Maddelena, the guitar on her lap, -looked up at Boris with a tremulous smile, her eyes shining<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> through +looked up at Boris with a tremulous smile, her eyes shining<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> through tears, murmuring something in Italian, and impulsively he stooped and kissed her on the lips, just as Cacciola cried, also in Italian:</p> @@ -5912,7 +5910,7 @@ the first flight of stairs when Maddelena came running after them.</p> <p>Austin turned and came up a few steps to meet her.</p> -<p>“I am so sorry,” she whispered hurriedly, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>bending her charming face +<p>“I am so sorry,” she whispered hurriedly, <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>bending her charming face confidentially towards him. “I have not been able to question him about those others, or, more truthfully, I would not do so, for, as you see, he is beginning to forget, and I feared to bring the black shadow upon @@ -5950,7 +5948,7 @@ and get hold of a clue.”</p> <p>“Oh! Did you find out anything?” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p> <p>“Very little so far. I’ll tell you all about it when we get in. I should have told you before, of course, if you hadn’t been away.”</p> @@ -5985,15 +5983,15 @@ mind. Here we are. Good night, Austin.”</p> <p>She did give him her hand, but withdrew it quickly, and stepped into the waiting lift, which bore her swiftly out of sight. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p> <p>Austin stood for a few seconds, frowning; then lighted a cigarette, striking the match with an angry jerk, and went on his way feeling exceedingly ill-used!</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XIX</span> <span class="smaller">DARK HOURS</span></h2> @@ -6017,7 +6015,7 @@ distress.</p> no sign, endeavoured always to appear cheerful and confident in his interviews with his solicitors and counsel, and above all with Grace, whose visits, albeit under the strict regulations as to time, and under -more or less official surveillance,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> were the great events of this grim +more or less official surveillance,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> were the great events of this grim and dreary period.</p> <p>Like the blessed sunshine she came into that bare, formal room, always @@ -6048,7 +6046,7 @@ vindicated.</p> <p>That sublime faith alone enabled her to endure these dark winter days of loneliness and sorrow.</p> -<p>Always she kept before her the one thought:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> “When Roger comes home.” +<p>Always she kept before her the one thought:<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> “When Roger comes home.” On that she shaped her whole life.</p> <p>That was why she insisted on living alone in the little flat that was @@ -6080,7 +6078,7 @@ own; but they both knew. There was no need of words.</p> <p>Rather, in those precious minutes when they were together, they recalled that brief interlude at St. Margaret’s, those “immortal hours” -when little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> Miss Culpepper had hovered around them like a quaint, +when little<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span> Miss Culpepper had hovered around them like a quaint, tutelary goddess.</p> <p>“I’ve had another letter from Miss Culpepper,” Grace told him one day. @@ -6114,7 +6112,7 @@ for Christmas.”</p> day—a midday dinner in Bermondsey, high tea and a Christmas tree at Battersea, and a beano for the <i>padre’s</i> poorest, and possibly blackest, sheep in the evening. Winnie will be a bright particular -star, of course—they’d keep her singing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> for hours if they could! +star, of course—they’d keep her singing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> for hours if they could! While I shall be just an all-round helper, in my old canteen get-up.”</p> <p>“Good! I shall be thinking of you all the time. But don’t wear yourself @@ -6144,7 +6142,7 @@ going too. He doesn’t want to, but it’s less trouble to give way tha to argue the point; and the change may do him good. He’s not very fit, poor daddy!” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p> <p>In fact that poor professor was having a very trying time at home, for Mrs. Armitage furiously resented the fact that he had contributed @@ -6172,7 +6170,7 @@ course of their many conferences.</p> wedding presents, and everything else of value that they possessed; also, if necessary, to sell up the furniture they had bought so gaily and lovingly in the months before their marriage, and so break up the -home which, to “get ready for Roger” had been her great solace in this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> +home which, to “get ready for Roger” had been her great solace in this<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> awful interval; and where she was now living frugally as any nun, denying herself everything beyond the barest necessaries of life, in order that she might save.</p> @@ -6201,7 +6199,7 @@ earnest conversation.</p> recognized the man as Austin Starr, bending from his great height to listen attentively to his companion—a very attractive-looking girl, even in the distance, who was talking with animation. Any casual -observer would have imagined<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> them a pair of young lovers, and Grace +observer would have imagined<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> them a pair of young lovers, and Grace felt an instant and curious sense of dismay.</p> <p>It flashed to her mind that she had not seen Austin once at the @@ -6233,7 +6231,7 @@ He must have developed the acquaintance swiftly in these few weeks!</p> <p>She walked slowly back, turning the matter over in her mind perplexedly. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p> <p>“There’s a lady waiting to see you, ma’am,” said the lift-man, a cheery, grizzled old veteran, and one of her staunch admirers.</p> @@ -6251,9 +6249,9 @@ with an open basket beside her and something that looked like a little black fur muff cuddled in her arms—cold, tired, travel-stained but quite cheerful—was little Miss Culpepper!</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XX</span> <span class="smaller">AN OLD ROMANCE</span></h2> @@ -6277,7 +6275,7 @@ the mate who might never come home to it.</p> <p>As she flitted about, preparing tea for her unexpected guest, despite Miss Culpepper’s protests that she “hadn’t come to be waited on,” caressing Dear Brutus and laughing at his antics, listening to the -old lady’s vivacious account of her journey, of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> new tenants, and +old lady’s vivacious account of her journey, of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> new tenants, and of the arrangements made for Cleopatra, whom Miss Culpepper had left as a “paying guest” with her friend at St. Margaret’s, she felt more cheerful than she had done since the day when the black shadow fell on @@ -6307,7 +6305,7 @@ more beautiful than ever, but with a pathetic, etherealized beauty, fragile to a degree.</p> <p>“It’s high time somebody came to take care of her; she’s on the -very verge of a breakdown,” Miss<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> Culpepper inwardly decided, and +very verge of a breakdown,” Miss<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> Culpepper inwardly decided, and unobtrusively entered on her self-imposed labour of love. Within twenty-four hours she and Dear Brutus were as much at home in the little flat as if they had lived there all their lives—and the @@ -6337,7 +6335,7 @@ woman was pondering over.</p> flurried action.</p> <p>“I’m afraid I was <i>relevée</i> in the past,” she confessed. “I was only -there for about two years—the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>very happiest in all my life: at least +there for about two years—the <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>very happiest in all my life: at least the last year was. Then my lady’s husband died suddenly—he was Sir Henry Robinson, who had a post at the Embassy, a very nice gentleman though a little pomptious sometimes—and the establishment had to be @@ -6370,7 +6368,7 @@ Rawson?”</p> <p>“Not precisely, madam; though I am in Sir Robert’s service. I came on my own account to beg the favour of a few minutes’ conversation.”</p> -<p>“Certainly. Do come in,” she said, her pulses<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> fluttered with the wild +<p>“Certainly. Do come in,” she said, her pulses<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> fluttered with the wild hope that this old servant, whom Roger so liked and trusted, might have something of importance to communicate.</p> @@ -6404,7 +6402,7 @@ be—yes, it is!” she gasped. “James—James Thomson—d <p>“I’m sorry, madam, you have the advantage of me. What name did you say?”</p> -<p>“Maria Culpepper, that was maid to Lady <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>Robinson when you were Sir +<p>“Maria Culpepper, that was maid to Lady <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>Robinson when you were Sir Henry’s valet. I was thinking of you, and of those old days not five minutes ago. You’ve forgotten me years ago, I can see that, but I’ve never forgotten you, James, though you never wrote as you said you @@ -6435,7 +6433,7 @@ friends,” she said, motioning him to a chair.</p> <p>“Thank you, madam. Quite so,” he responded, seating himself bolt upright on the extreme edge of the chair, and holding his bowler hat -on his knees.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> “I am sorry I did not remember the old lady at first. +on his knees.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> “I am sorry I did not remember the old lady at first. She was quite young then, as I was—a very nice young woman, now I come to think of it. Indeed, if I remember rightly, I had the intention at one time of asking her to be Mrs. Thomson, but fate intervened and we @@ -6465,7 +6463,7 @@ has ever spoken of me to you?”</p> <p>“That was like him,” said Thomson, with more feeling in his dry voice than he had yet exhibited. “Except my master, Sir Robert, there’s no gentleman in the world I respect so much, or who I’d sooner serve than -Mr. Carling. He was always the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> same, always treated me like a human +Mr. Carling. He was always the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> same, always treated me like a human being and not a servant, or a stock or stone. Madam, I’d do anything in the world that I could to serve him!”</p> @@ -6499,7 +6497,7 @@ any information that would help to clear him?”</p> <p>He shook his head. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p> <p>“Unfortunately, I know nothing whatever of Mr. Carling’s movements on that fatal day, madam, beyond what I have heard and read as stated in @@ -6531,7 +6529,7 @@ worn and bulky leather case. “That’s just why I came here to-night, madam. I’ve thought about it constant for weeks past, but it was a bit difficult to know how to do it without giving offence—though, in a matter of life and death, which is what this is, a lady like you and -a gentleman like Mr. Carling wouldn’t take offence where none was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> +a gentleman like Mr. Carling wouldn’t take offence where none was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> meant. I’ve got five hundred and fifty pounds in Bank of England notes; they’re all my own, they’re not a quarter of my savings—for I’ve had good wages these many years and never any expenses to speak of, and @@ -6563,7 +6561,7 @@ madam.”</p> the latch of the door.</p> <p>“Wait one minute,” she pleaded distractedly. “At least let me try to -thank you—try to say what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> I feel and think; or do come back to see +thank you—try to say what<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> I feel and think; or do come back to see your old friend, Miss Culpepper——”</p> <p>But he had the door open and was already outside.</p> @@ -6578,9 +6576,9 @@ leaving Grace staring after him through her tears.</p> <p>“And he didn’t even let me shake hands with him!” she thought, as she went in and shut the door.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XXI</span> <span class="smaller">THE CHINESE ROOM</span></h2> @@ -6605,7 +6603,7 @@ drifted apart? It was her fault though; for, now I come to think of it, I’m pretty sure I did write, and she never answered. Well, well.”</p> <p>Still musing, he made his way back to Grosvenor Gardens. It was -nominally his “evening out,” an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> institution Sir Robert had recently +nominally his “evening out,” an<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> institution Sir Robert had recently insisted on reviving. Thomson himself wanted no evening out—wanted nothing but to continue to tend the stricken master whom he served with such silent, dogged, and dog-like devotion. It was still early, only @@ -6634,7 +6632,7 @@ his own room—a fair sized, comfortable apartment at the end of the suite occupied by his master, and with a door that led direct into Sir Robert’s bedroom. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p> <p>Before the fire, in the one easy chair, reading an evening paper, was a nice-looking fresh-complexioned young man, Perkins, the male nurse, @@ -6669,7 +6667,7 @@ Drawing-room,” which did not communicate directly with this—where Si Robert and his visitor were; and Thomson moved to the door, opened it very slightly and stood, again listening. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span></p> <p>Soon he heard far off the tinkle of an electric bell, and rightly guessed it a summons to Jenkins, the butler, whose soft footsteps @@ -6698,7 +6696,7 @@ remaining beside him in imperturbable, unobtrusive attendance.</p> <p>Unerringly, stepping as lightly as a cat on the soft carpet, he made his way across to the opposite wall, where a dark patch showed against -the whiteness,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> <i>portières</i> of jade-green velvet that masked folding +the whiteness,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> <i>portières</i> of jade-green velvet that masked folding doors leading into the Chinese Room. On the other side the doorway was concealed by magnificent curtains of black and gold embroidery in a dragon design, that had a very curious feature—one that Thomson had @@ -6728,7 +6726,7 @@ grave courtesy, extending his hand, over which the young man bowed respectfully. “I cannot rise to receive you. I am quite helpless as you see. Will you sit in that chair?” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p> <p>Boris complied. The chair, as Thomson had already noted, was placed so that the lamplight would fall full on the face of the visitor, leaving @@ -6768,7 +6766,7 @@ position——”</p> thought that.”</p> <p>“She did indeed, sir,” said Boris earnestly. “Or perhaps it would be -more truthful to say that she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> believed you set your duty to your +more truthful to say that she<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> believed you set your duty to your Government above all personal sympathy.”</p> <p>“She was right there,” Sir Robert rejoined sternly. “To a man in the @@ -6798,7 +6796,7 @@ catastrophe?”</p> <p>“Quite so. I have satisfied myself on that point, through sources quite unknown to you; otherwise you would not be here now but in all probability would have been deported weeks ago, to meet whatever fate -might be in store for you in your own<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> country,” said Sir Robert +might be in store for you in your own<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> country,” said Sir Robert grimly. “However, let that pass. Tell me this, Mr. Melikoff—I have a right to know: you loved each other, you two foolish and headstrong children?”</p> @@ -6829,7 +6827,7 @@ is the safest place for them.”</p> watched the packet consumed to a little mass of black ashes.</p> <p>“I have but one letter of hers, sir,” said Boris presently. “The last -she ever wrote me, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>therefore most precious. It is very brief. +she ever wrote me, and <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>therefore most precious. It is very brief. Would you—care to read it?”</p> <p>He unfolded the letter—it was but a half-sheet—with a lingering, @@ -6865,7 +6863,7 @@ show by whom they were written.”</p> <p>“Strange,” mused Sir Robert. “You are sure they were as harmless, as meaningless, as you say?” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p> <p>“Quite sure. And may I say this, Sir Robert? I am certain that when Paula took those papers from your safe—as I fear there is no doubt she @@ -6896,7 +6894,7 @@ lacquered mirror, and his face had become absolutely expressionless.</p> bell-stand on the table beside him, without removing his gaze from the mirror.</p> -<p>“Can I do anything?” Boris began, and paused<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> as Sir Robert lifted his +<p>“Can I do anything?” Boris began, and paused<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> as Sir Robert lifted his hand warningly. He appeared to be listening intently.</p> <p>In about a couple of minutes Thomson entered the room.</p> @@ -6934,7 +6932,7 @@ mechanically tended the fire, then to his own room, where he sat down and waited.</p> <p>It was half an hour or more before he was again summoned, and then he -found Sir Robert alone.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> The dragon curtains were still pulled apart, +found Sir Robert alone.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> The dragon curtains were still pulled apart, but the folding doors of the boudoir were closed and locked.</p> <p>Master and man looked steadily at each other for a good half-minute, @@ -6968,9 +6966,9 @@ put me to bed.”</p> <p>“Very good, sir,” said Thomson.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XXII</span> <span class="smaller">A PEACEMAKER</span></h2> @@ -6998,7 +6996,7 @@ fact that even they can neither explain nor understand.</p> lingering in her ears, her pale face was serene and beautiful as that of an angel. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p> <p>There were very few people about at this early hour—a mild, grey morning, with the great towers of Westminster looming through the @@ -7033,7 +7031,7 @@ opportunity to say more at the moment, as they had reached the lift.</p> <p>“Oh, my dear, a gentleman has been with a mass of such beautiful flowers and a great basket of fruit!” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p> <p>“I know. Here he is, come back to breakfast. Miss Culpepper—Mr. Austin Starr. Now go in to the fire, Austin, and make yourself at home—you’ll @@ -7066,7 +7064,7 @@ she re-entered, looking so cheerful, so self-possessed, yet, alas! physically so fragile.</p> <p>She seemed perfectly normal, and yet he noticed how often she glanced -at that vacant place with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> chair drawn up before it, with such a +at that vacant place with the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> chair drawn up before it, with such a curious expression in her eyes, as if she indeed saw Roger sitting there in the flesh. It was absolutely uncanny.</p> @@ -7095,7 +7093,7 @@ innocence established before the whole world!”</p> <p>“I couldn’t live without it,” she said simply. “We all seem to be moving in a terrible fog, or, rather, to be so enveloped in it that -we can’t move,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> we don’t know which way to turn! But the fog’s going +we can’t move,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> we don’t know which way to turn! But the fog’s going to lift, the sun’s going to shine—in time! Have you seen much of the Cacciolas lately?”</p> @@ -7128,7 +7126,7 @@ would have got it out of him and sent word to me—sure.”</p> <p>“I wonder why Sir Robert wanted to see him,” mused Grace, “and why Miss Maddelena didn’t want him to go?” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p> <p>He smiled.</p> @@ -7160,7 +7158,7 @@ Winnie’s giving me the frozen mitten?”</p> she came back from Bristol.”</p> <p>“Nor have I, or only for a few minutes between whiles. She’s been away -most of the time, with all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> these provincial engagements—only got back +most of the time, with all<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> these provincial engagements—only got back late last night; she rang me up.”</p> <p>“Did she say anything about me?”</p> @@ -7198,7 +7196,7 @@ sitting in a dark corner.”</p> <p>“H’m! And Miss Maddelena was there?” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span></p> <p>“Of course. Why wouldn’t she be?”</p> @@ -7236,7 +7234,7 @@ be done?”</p> <p>“What did you send her for Christmas?”</p> <p>“Only some flowers and candies. I took them around myself last night -and left them. But I’ve<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> got this.” From his waistcoat pocket he +and left them. But I’ve<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> got this.” From his waistcoat pocket he extracted a dainty little morocco case, opened it and passed it to Grace, adding sheepishly, “You see, I wanted to give her this myself, if she’ll only see me.”</p> @@ -7267,7 +7265,7 @@ poor boy’s awfully upset.”</p> <p>“I think you know well enough, old thing. He’s confided to me that you seem to have given him the frozen mitten!” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p> <p>A pause. Then, icily:</p> @@ -7296,7 +7294,7 @@ give him a chance to explain. Darling, are you going to let the rift widen—perhaps to spoil both your lives for nothing—when there’s so much real sorrow in the world?”</p> -<p>“I know. I’ve been pretty miserable too, and—I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>don’t know when I +<p>“I know. I’ve been pretty miserable too, and—I <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>don’t know when I shall see him again,” said Winnie tremulously, and Grace smiled.</p> <p>“You’ll see him in about ten minutes, if he’s been able to find a taxi. @@ -7304,9 +7302,9 @@ He’s on his way to you now. Bye-bye till lunch time.”</p> <p>She put up the receiver.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XXIII</span> <span class="smaller">WHAT GIULIA SAW</span></h2> @@ -7334,7 +7332,7 @@ danced.</p> <p>Grace watched her, fascinated. How charming, how versatile, how utterly unaffected she was; and what a consummate <i>artiste</i>! No wonder Austin -had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> been attracted by her. Who could resist her? She was glad she +had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> been attracted by her. Who could resist her? She was glad she had persuaded Winnie and him not to come on here with her to-night, but to get into “glad rags” and go to dine and dance at the Savoy. Her peacemaking effort had been entirely successful, and all was @@ -7368,7 +7366,7 @@ chair in a comparatively quiet corner.”</p> <p>“I know that,” he said in his fatherly way. “But you mustn’t overdo it, you know. Where’s Miss Winston?”</p> -<p>“I persuaded her not to come. She’s been <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>singing all the afternoon at +<p>“I persuaded her not to come. She’s been <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>singing all the afternoon at one place and another; we’ve had quite a big day of it, <i>padre</i>.”</p> <p>“Just so. And it’s all right here, as it happens. We’ve got the @@ -7401,7 +7399,7 @@ Maddelena continued. “And, oh, I do so wish I could help you! I have so wanted to come and see you, but I did not like to, as we had never met.”</p> <p>“Well, now we have met I hope you will come and see me some day soon, -Miss Cacciola,” said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> Grace. “I have heard of you too, from my old +Miss Cacciola,” said<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> Grace. “I have heard of you too, from my old friend Austin Starr.”</p> <p>“Ah, yes—that nice Mr. Starr! He is seeking still for fresh evidence @@ -7433,7 +7431,7 @@ you anything.”</p> <p>“My uncle’s housekeeper—in fact our only servant. She has been with him for many years and is devoted to us all. She is Italian, of course, -a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> peasant, and quite uneducated, but she has—what do you call +a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> peasant, and quite uneducated, but she has—what do you call it?—clairvoyance, the ‘second sight,’ sometimes, and can see, oh, the most extraordinary things—for some people!”</p> @@ -7460,7 +7458,7 @@ believe she might be able to see something for you.”</p> such things, Miss Cacciola; of course I have heard of clairvoyants.”</p> <p>“Yes, fortune tellers and charlatans most of them; but our Giulia is -not like that. It is a real<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> gift with her. Oh, if you would come to +not like that. It is a real<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> gift with her. Oh, if you would come to see her! Why not come now? She is all alone, and it will be quite quiet. Or are you too tired?”</p> @@ -7492,7 +7490,7 @@ fatal post office. The house was dark, the shop windows plastered with big posters announcing that the premises had been sold by private treaty.</p> -<p>“The horrible place is to be pulled down,” said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> Maddelena. “That is +<p>“The horrible place is to be pulled down,” said<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> Maddelena. “That is well. Mrs. Cave has got another shop about a quarter of a mile away, nearer the station. She moved there, post office and all, a few days ago. She is very glad. No wonder.”</p> @@ -7522,7 +7520,7 @@ calls me ‘she who must be obeyed.’ Has he told you that? He is very funny sometimes, that Mr. Starr, but he is right there. So, drink it up while I go and prepare Giulia.”</p> -<p>She found the old woman sitting in her old <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>armchair in the spotless +<p>She found the old woman sitting in her old <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>armchair in the spotless kitchen—placidly enjoying her Christmas evening playing “patience,” in company with a flask of Chianti and a dish of salted almonds—bestowed a hearty kiss upon her, and explained why she had returned so early.</p> @@ -7556,7 +7554,7 @@ curtsey, and fixed her dark eyes earnestly on the visitor.</p> you—ze great protecting light! Vill you sit here at my feet; take off your gloves and hold my hands—so! Vait now; do not speak!” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span></p> <p>She pulled out a hassock, on which Grace obediently seated herself. Giulia took her hands, holding them lightly and moving her own wrinkled @@ -7587,7 +7585,7 @@ penetrates even to him. You stretch hands to each other, striving to meet—you in the light, he in the darkness—and sometimes the hands touch, just for a moment. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p> <p>“Ah, the darkness passes a little. I see a large building; many people are there: it is a Court of Justice. The beloved is apart from you, @@ -7621,7 +7619,7 @@ hides all....</p> <p>“But the end is not yet. Once more the light comes. It is another room now—a smaller one. A woman kneels beside a bed. She is very still, -and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> I cannot see her face, but I think—nay, I am sure—it is thou +and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> I cannot see her face, but I think—nay, I am sure—it is thou thyself, signora; and the light is all radiant above thee—the light of the ‘great protection.’ There is a little table close by with a telephone. Listen, it is the bell ringing. The woman rises—yes, she is @@ -7654,7 +7652,7 @@ faint and trembling. No wonder! It was a marvellous séance.”</p> support of Maddelena’s strong young arm as the girl led her along the passage. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p> <p>“I will tell you directly. I have it all down, or nearly all, I think, but in Italian—there was no time to translate. I will do that and send @@ -7688,7 +7686,7 @@ I <i>am</i> so glad you came!”</p> <p>“You dear child!” cried Grace, and kissed her. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p> <p>“And now I am going to see you home—you are tired to death. Well, only to the station then, if you will have it so. And I may come and see you @@ -7722,9 +7720,9 @@ did behave so badly, spat and swore—<i>swore</i> at Mr. Thomson, till I actually had to take him out to the kitchen and shut him up there. It was quite upsetting!”</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XXIV</span> <span class="smaller">THE SHADOW OF DOOM</span></h2> @@ -7748,7 +7746,7 @@ evidence was forthcoming; but as the case developed so the tension increased, the interest became cumulatively more poignant, more painful, concentrated on the prisoner, pale and worn but perfectly self-possessed, and his girl-wife, whose eyes never left his face, and -who seemed utterly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> oblivious of every one and everything else in the +who seemed utterly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> oblivious of every one and everything else in the world except during the brief interval when, in the witness-box, she gave evidence on the important episode of the sudden change of their honeymoon plans.</p> @@ -7773,7 +7771,7 @@ for examination. Then the fatal stab in that obscure corner, a deed premeditated, if only for a brief minute before hand, as the weapon (counsel held up that little tortoiseshell knife) must have been ready in his hand. It was the work of a moment; it was done not in the heat -of passion, but coolly, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>deliberately; and as coolly and deliberately, +of passion, but coolly, <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>deliberately; and as coolly and deliberately, having achieved his immediate purpose and regained possession of the papers, he thereupon not only effected his own escape for the time being, but, with a resource amazing in its ingenuity, instantly got rid @@ -7801,7 +7799,7 @@ already been booked for them? Because he had begun to realize what the consequence of his crime would be—feared that he would be arrested that very night, sought to gain time, a few hours, a few days.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p> <p>Cummings-Browne sprang up.</p> @@ -7833,7 +7831,7 @@ the smears on the bag—Sadler, the taxi-driver, swore positively that Roger Carling was not wearing gloves when he left the taxi.</p> <p>“I noticed how cold his hands looked when he paid me, and wondered that -a well-dressed young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> gentleman didn’t have his gloves on on such a raw +a well-dressed young<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> gentleman didn’t have his gloves on on such a raw day.”</p> <p>Neither old Giulia nor any of the witnesses who were questioned @@ -7861,7 +7859,7 @@ of emotion swept over the crowded court, and a spontaneous murmur of applause, instantly and sternly suppressed by the ushers.</p> <p>Austin Starr, sitting close to Grace, drew a deep breath of relief and -flashed a smile at Roger. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> believed, as many others did at that +flashed a smile at Roger. He<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> believed, as many others did at that moment, that Cummings-Browne had triumphed once more—that Roger was saved.</p> @@ -7895,7 +7893,7 @@ above the subdued sound of sobbing the judge’s deep, solemn voice was heard asking the prisoner if he had anything to say before sentence was passed on him. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span></p> <p>Roger looked at him full and fearlessly, and answered in tones that rang through the court:</p> @@ -7927,7 +7925,7 @@ tearful and trembling, on the other.</p> of her surroundings as a somnambulist.</p> <p>Only when they reached the anteroom and a little crowd of friends -and counsel clustered round her,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> she turned her head and looked at +and counsel clustered round her,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> she turned her head and looked at Austin, that faint unearthly smile still on her lips, and said, quite distinctly:</p> @@ -7942,9 +7940,9 @@ the floor.</p> <p>“She’s only fainted, thank God! It’s better for her,” said Austin huskily.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XXV</span> <span class="smaller">THE LAST HOPE</span></h2> @@ -7967,7 +7965,7 @@ of jade beads, the one startling note of vivid colour in the whole picture.</p> <p>For hours Sir Robert would lie and gaze at the portrait that seemed to -gaze back at him with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> proud, tragic, inscrutable dark eyes. He was +gaze back at him with<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> proud, tragic, inscrutable dark eyes. He was gazing at it now, and might or might not have been listening as Perkins conscientiously read aloud column after column from “The Times.” Perkins read remarkably well—Sir Robert occasionally complimented @@ -8000,7 +7998,7 @@ his visitors.</p> <p>He looked at her intently. He had seen her once or twice, when she had been a guest at his wife’s receptions, and he never forgot a face -he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> once seen, but he could scarcely recognize in this pale, worn +he had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span> once seen, but he could scarcely recognize in this pale, worn woman with appealing, pathetic, grey eyes, the radiant young girl of such a few months ago.</p> @@ -8031,7 +8029,7 @@ is no shadow of doubt that he <i>is</i> guilty, and that knowledge is the bitterest thing in the world to me, for I loved him, I trusted him as a son, and he murdered my dear wife!” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p> <p>She fell on her knees beside his couch, stretching out piteous hands to him.</p> @@ -8060,7 +8058,7 @@ the stern old man, but to the woman in the picture.</p> Do you know—I wonder, I think you may do—how I wept and prayed for you when I learned of your terrible fate, that overshadowed those sacred hours of our happiness; how my beloved grieved for you and your -stricken <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>husband, whom he so loved and honoured? If you <i>do</i> know, +stricken <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>husband, whom he so loved and honoured? If you <i>do</i> know, then, as a woman, you will know what we suffer, in our great love and all our sorrow, with the shadow of doom upon us—you will strive to touch your husband’s heart, to soften it towards us!”</p> @@ -8092,7 +8090,7 @@ white face.</p> <p>“It is all right, Austin, good friend. I am not mad. Yes, we will go—to Roger. It was good of you to see me, Sir Robert. I will forget -what you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> have said; you will know better soon—at the ninth hour. +what you<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> have said; you will know better soon—at the ninth hour. Good-bye. Come, Austin.”</p> <p>She moved towards the door, scarcely seeming to need Austin’s support, @@ -8127,7 +8125,7 @@ Secretary, or the King himself, even now——”</p> time—while there’s life there’s hope! Could you manage to come round here again to-night, sir—say at nine o’clock?” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p> <p>“Here! What for?” asked Austin bluntly.</p> @@ -8158,7 +8156,7 @@ tears were rolling down his face.</p> <p>It was quite otherwise with Grace. She spoke gently, with a gracious smile to the watchful warders, whose guard over the prisoner must now -be ceaseless till the end, and then clung to Roger,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> raising her lips +be ceaseless till the end, and then clung to Roger,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> raising her lips to his, her great, grey eyes shining, not with tears.</p> <p>“It’s not good-bye, darling,” she said softly. “It’s only till @@ -8189,7 +8187,7 @@ outdoor wraps and lovingly tended her.</p> <p>“Yes, I will have some tea—just a cup. And I’m so tired I’m going to lie down for an hour or two. You see it won’t do for me to be a wreck when Roger comes home. That’s nice. Thank you, darlings. You <i>are</i> good -to me. If I don’t<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> wake before nine will you wake me then?”</p> +to me. If I don’t<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> wake before nine will you wake me then?”</p> <p>Like a child she submitted to be wrapped in a rest-gown and tucked up under the eiderdown on her bed. When Winnie stole in to look at her @@ -8221,7 +8219,7 @@ Iverson—has permission to stay the night with him. He’ll be there no I guess.”</p> <p>They spoke in hushed tones, as people do in the presence of death, and -then lapsed into silence, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span>sitting hand-in-hand, as unhappy a pair of +then lapsed into silence, <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span>sitting hand-in-hand, as unhappy a pair of lovers as could be found in London that night.</p> <p>The evening dragged on. Time after time Winnie peeped into the bedroom, @@ -8248,9 +8246,9 @@ will be quite numb and cramped—if she hasn’t fainted!”</p> <p>As she spoke the telephone bell sounded—a startling summons in that hushed place.</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XXVI</span> <span class="smaller">THE NINTH HOUR</span></h2> @@ -8276,7 +8274,7 @@ even in sleep, then slightly opened the outer door so that he could hear anyone ascending the staircase, and seated himself near, where he could still watch the invalid.</p> -<p>Presently he heard the sounds for which he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> listened—a knock and ring +<p>Presently he heard the sounds for which he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> listened—a knock and ring at the front door, soft footsteps outside, and glanced at the clock. Ten minutes to nine. He did not move, but still waited and listened.</p> @@ -8312,7 +8310,7 @@ sort of board meeting. Is it about Carling? Poor chap! Personally, I wish it had been possible to save him, but that’s impossible, in the face of the evidence, and that verdict.” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span></p> <p>“I suppose so,” Lord Warrington assented gravely. “It’s an awful tragedy—a brilliant youngster like that! And you know, Lorimer, if @@ -8341,7 +8339,7 @@ there is something fresh about Carling.”</p> <p>“I hope there may be. If he’s hanged to-morrow you’ll be responsible for a frightful miscarriage of justice, Lorimer!” said Cummings-Browne.</p> -<p>“Oh, come now! You put up a magnificent fight<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> for him at the trial and +<p>“Oh, come now! You put up a magnificent fight<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> for him at the trial and since, but you don’t—you can’t—personally believe he is innocent?”</p> <p>“You are wrong for once. I am absolutely convinced in my own mind that @@ -8375,7 +8373,7 @@ asked Warrington imperatively.</p> <p>“If you and the gentlemen will be seated, my lord, I will explain at once,” Thomson repeated, advancing to the table and depositing the box -on it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> There was something so curiously compelling in his formal, +on it.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> There was something so curiously compelling in his formal, respectful manner that they actually complied—Lord Warrington taking the head of the table, the Home Secretary facing him, Cummings-Browne opposite Thomson. Snell slipped round and took the chair beside @@ -8406,7 +8404,7 @@ Cummings-Browne’s stern voice,</p> <p>Thomson looked up then, met Cummings-Browne’s eyes full and steadily, and thenceforth addressed himself to him direct. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span></p> <p>“I will, sir—from the beginning. On that morning when the papers were missing from Sir Robert’s safe I was awake very early—I often am. At @@ -8436,7 +8434,7 @@ Mr. Carling was there and they were both very upset—very upset indeed.R I didn’t like to. Sir Robert told me not to say anything to anyone, and I did not. I went down and thought it over. I felt sure in my mind that my lady had the papers, whatever they were. I knew she was out—she -had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> gone out about ten o’clock—so was her maid, Mam’selle Périer, +had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> gone out about ten o’clock—so was her maid, Mam’selle Périer, who had been given the day out. I wondered if my lady had gone to Rivercourt Mansions.”</p> @@ -8469,7 +8467,7 @@ him.</p> <p>“And now I made up my mind all in a moment to go there and see if I could find out anything. I didn’t ask Sir Robert. I thought I would risk him missing me, as I’d often done before, and it wasn’t necessary -for me to tell Mr. Jenkins or anyone<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> else. I took the train, and +for me to tell Mr. Jenkins or anyone<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> else. I took the train, and just got to the corner of the square when, sure enough, I saw my lady herself cross the road to go into that post office. I knew it quite well, having been in and out several times when I’d happened to be in @@ -8497,7 +8495,7 @@ involuntarily put out his hand as if to seize Thomson’s arm, but the latter, having exhibited the weapon, pressed the spring again, causing the blade to disappear, and laid the thing on the table.</p> -<p>“I bought it off a sailor years ago in <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span>Constantinople, when I was +<p>“I bought it off a sailor years ago in <span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span>Constantinople, when I was there with my master, and he used to go about so reckless by himself in places that weren’t safe for an English gentleman that often I followed him, with this as a sort of protection, but I never had to use @@ -8527,7 +8525,7 @@ them in my pocket.”</p> <p>He took out a Yale latchkey and a small ornate powder box of gold set with jewels, and placed these beside the other articles.</p> -<p>“I saw through the window a taxicab standing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> before the side door. +<p>“I saw through the window a taxicab standing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> before the side door. There was no one at all in sight, so I listened for a minute—by the sound there were several people in the shop—then went out at the side door, put the bag through the cab window, walked away, slipping the @@ -8558,7 +8556,7 @@ else——”</p> <p>“Thank you, sir. I knew this key wasn’t one of ours—of this house—and I thought it just possible it might be the key to Mr. Melikoff’s flat. -I knew,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> too, that my lady had written him a lot of letters first +I knew,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> too, that my lady had written him a lot of letters first and last, and that if they should ever be found they might raise a scandal that would add to Sir Robert’s trouble, and I made up my mind to try and get hold of these. It was some time before I got the @@ -8584,7 +8582,7 @@ so I couldn’t see in.”</p> <p>“I beg your pardon, Mr. Starr, I assure you it was open then, just an inch or two, and I heard voices inside—your voice, sir, and a lady’s, -and you were talking about Lady Rawson. Dangerous as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> it was I couldn’t +and you were talking about Lady Rawson. Dangerous as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> it was I couldn’t help listening for a minute; then I turned off the hall light and slipped off, closing the front door quietly with the key, and got away all right. Here are the letters.</p> @@ -8615,7 +8613,7 @@ stood, with Snell close beside him, as if the buzz of low-toned, agitated conversation among the others did not concern him in the least. </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span></p> <p>Austin Starr unceremoniously clutched Lorimer’s arm.</p> @@ -8645,9 +8643,9 @@ He’ll be home as soon as ever the Home Secretary can fix it. Old Thomson’s confessed everything right now. It was he who murdered Lady Rawson!”</p> -<hr /> +<hr > -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p> <h2><span>CHAPTER XXVII</span> <span class="smaller">INTO THE LIGHT</span></h2> @@ -8671,7 +8669,7 @@ Roger’s vindication—“vitiation” was her word for it&mdas affected by the knowledge that Thomson was the criminal; in fact, she accepted it quite philosophically.</p> -<p>“It’s terrible to think James should have done<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span> such a deed, but I +<p>“It’s terrible to think James should have done<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span> such a deed, but I don’t think I am really surprised after all. I saw a great change in him when he came here on Christmas day, as I think I told you, my dear. It was something—oh, I don’t know how to describe it in @@ -8697,7 +8695,7 @@ never see you again, Roger; but while I do last—I hope it won’t be many weeks—you’ll never be out of my mind. You’ll come back, with your dear young wife—ask her to forgive me too—and take up your career. It will be a brilliant one. I think I’ve been able to ensure that you will -have your chance, and <i>I</i> know<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> how great your abilities are! Have you +have your chance, and <i>I</i> know<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> how great your abilities are! Have you seen Warrington yet?”</p> <p>“Yes, I’ve just come from him. He was kindness itself, and has offered @@ -8726,7 +8724,7 @@ the fall,” said Austin. “Say, Roger, have you seen any New York pape <p>“Not I, and very few others. We’ve almost forgotten, here, that the Press exists!” </p> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p> <p>“I guess so. But you may be interested to hear that Cacciola’s first concert—Melikoff’s début—was an immense success. Melikoff got right @@ -8760,7 +8758,7 @@ fairly comfortable here, though it’s not what Sir Robert has been used to, of course; but he’s much better—very much better. May I ask if you’ve seen Mr. Carling lately?’</p> -<p>“I said I hadn’t—that you and Mrs. Carling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> were abroad, but I should +<p>“I said I hadn’t—that you and Mrs. Carling<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> were abroad, but I should probably be seeing you soon, and he answered:</p> <p>“‘If you do, sir, perhaps you’ll give them my best respects and good @@ -8792,7 +8790,7 @@ animus—and no more compunction—than I’d kill a ’squito!& <p>Later from the balcony he and Grace watched these two loyal friends go down the road to their hotel, and stood there long after the sound of -their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> footsteps had died away. Roger’s arm was round his wife, her +their<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> footsteps had died away. Roger’s arm was round his wife, her dear head rested on his shoulder.</p> <p>It was a beautiful evening, with a full moon flooding the valley and diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt index 6312041..b5dba15 100644 --- a/LICENSE.txt +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -1,4 +1,4 @@ -This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements, metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. @@ -7,5 +7,5 @@ the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize -this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +this book outside of the United States should confirm copyright status under the laws that apply to them. @@ -1,2 +1,2 @@ Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for -eBook #65811 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/65811) +book #65811 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/65811) |