As the Inspector and the detectives left the room, Haskins appeared to announce Mrs. Frothingham and Count Henri Charlier. VI A NEIGHBOR'S CALL "Oh, is it not terrible? What _can_ I say to comfort you!" Mrs. Frothingham's distressed tones and her air of eager, intense sympathy met with little response from Pauline. Haviland had been called from the room on an errand and Anita's willingness to receive the neighbor's condolences did not seem acceptable. The overdressed, forward-mannered widow continued to direct her attention entirely to Pauline, and that young woman merely surveyed her visitor coolly and replied in monosyllables. "Thanks," she said, and her icy air would have deterred a less determined intruder. "I simply couldn't help running over as soon as I heard the dreadful news. For we are neighbors after all, though not so very well acquainted; and neighbors have a camaraderie of their own, I think." "Yes?" said Pauline, and her eyelids fell slightly, with an expression of boredness. "Yes, indeed," Mrs. Frothingham rattled on; "and I said to our dear Count, we must run over at once, there may be something we can do for the saddened ones." "Thank you;" and had a marble statue been given vocal powers the effect would have been much the same. "Dear friend," continued the unabashed visitor, "I know how overcome you must be----" "I am not overcome at all," said Pauline, rising, and determined to hear no more; "and I must beg to be excused, Mrs. Frothingham, as I have many matters to attend to this morning." "Ah, yes, of course, you have. We will not detain you. The Count and I merely called for a moment to inquire----" "Yes, I quite understand. Miss Frayne will be pleased to answer your inquiries. Thank you both, and--good-morning." With a polite but distant bow, Pauline left the room, and as Count Charlier sprang to hold the door open for her, he, after a moment's hesitation, followed her out. "A moment, I beg, Miss Stuart," he said as they reached the hall; "You are offended at Mrs. Frothingham's intrusion, but have I not a right to call? Was I not such a friend of Miss Carrington as to justify this tribute of respect to her memory?" "Certainly, Count," and Pauline grew a shade kinder, "but I am not sufficiently acquainted with your friend to receive her visits." "Ah, no. That is conceded. But, I pray you, tell me of the sad affair. I have heard no details,--that is, unless you would rather not." "No, I am not unwilling. You were a good friend of Aunt Lucy's--she was fond of you, and I am glad to talk to some one. Let us sit here." Pauline indicated a recessed seat in the hall and the pair sat there. She recounted briefly the story of the tragedy and the Count was duly sympathetic. Pauline watched him closely, and discerned great interest but little grief or sorrow.