A Coin of Edward VII: A Detective StoryHume, Fergus
Philosophy
A Coin of Edward VII: A Detective Story
Hume, Fergus
Detective and mystery stories; Fiction
Meantime Daisy dressed herself very carefully in expectation of Ware's
arrival. He was to take her for a ride in his motor before Church, and
then they were to go to the service together. There was plenty of snow
on the ground, but the nights were always bright with moonlight. Daisy
had a fancy for a moonlight ride, and Giles was willing to humor her.
She expected him about ten, and descended shortly after nine to watch
for him from the drawing-room window.
Outside it was almost as light as day, and the white sheet of snow threw
back a reflection of the moonlight. Daisy gazed eagerly down the avenue,
where the leafless trees rocked in the cutting wind. Unexpectedly she
saw a tall man come round the corner of the house and walk swiftly down
the avenue. She knew from Mrs. Morley that there was a visitor in the
library, and wondered why he had elected to leave by the window, as he
must have done to come round the house in this way. Being curious, she
thought she would tell Mr. Morley of what she had seen, and went in
search of him.
At the door of the library she had just laid her hand on the handle when
it suddenly opened, and Anne came out. Her face was white and drawn, her
eyes were filled with fear, and she passed the astonished girl in a
blind and stumbling fashion as though she did not see her. Daisy saw her
feebly ascend the stairs, clutching the banisters. Wondering at this,
Miss Kent entered the room. Morley was standing by the window--the
middle window--looking out. It was open. He started and turned when
Daisy entered, and she saw that he was perturbed also.
"What is the matter?" she asked, coming forward.
"Nothing. What should be the matter?"
Morley spoke shortly and not in a pleasant tone. "I thought that Anne,
that Miss Denham, looked ill," said Daisy.
"Don't you think you had better leave Miss Denham alone, Daisy, seeing
the mischief you have caused? She has been weeping herself blind here."
"Well, that letter----"
"Oh, that letter is rubbish!" interrupted Morley scornfully. "Miss
Denham is a simple, kind woman, and you should take no notice of
anonymous correspondence. However, she is going away to-morrow. I have
just paid her her wages."
"I am glad she is going," said Miss Kent doggedly; "I am afraid of her.
You think she is an angel; I don't."
"I don't think anything about her; but I do think you are a very
hysterical girl, and have caused a great deal of unnecessary trouble.
Miss Denham is not in love with Ware, and it is only your absurd
jealousy that would accuse her of such a thing. Besides, this morning
you behaved very badly to my wife and myself. You must go away for a
time till we can get over your ungrateful words and conduct."
"I am very sorry," said Daisy humbly, "but it was Anne who disturbed me,
and that letter. I was afraid."
"Then you admit that we have behaved well?"
"You are my best friends."
"Thank you. And now may I ask what you want?"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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