Detective and mystery stories; Murder -- Investigation -- Fiction
"Not to London," interposed Mrs. Bolstreath, "we propose to visit some
friends in Scotland."
Lillian looked up in surprise, as Hartlepool certainly was not in
Scotland, and she thought that Mrs. Bolstreath's geography was at
fault. But a significant look from Dan showed her that he understood
why the wrong address had been given. Mrs. Bolstreath, with too much
zeal, mistrusted Mildred, although she had no cause to do so.
Certainly Mildred, in perfect innocence, did she know the actual
destination, might tell her uncle, who would assuredly tell Mrs.
Jarsell, and, for obvious reasons, it was not necessary that Mrs.
Jarsell should know where the city of refuge was situated. All the
same, Dan did not think for a moment that Mildred knew anything about
the Society of Flies. But he was beginning to fancy that Vincent had
some such knowledge, as Mrs. Jarsell financed him, and that she would
not do so, he was positive, unless she made something out of the
matter. It was very convenient for Queen Beelzebub to have an inventor
at her elbow who could construct swift aeroplanes. And it was at this
point of his meditations that Dan jumped up so suddenly as to spill
his tea.
"What's the matter?" asked Lillian, making a dash at the cup and
saucer to save breakage.
"I've got an idea," said Halliday, with a gasp. "I must go out and
think it over," and, without excusing himself further, he rushed from
the room.
"That's not like Dan," remarked Mrs. Bolstreath, uneasily, "he is calm
and cool-headed as a rule. I wonder what is the matter?"
"Oh, he'll tell us when he comes back," replied Lillian,
philosophically. "I can always trust Dan." Then she turned the
conversation in a somewhat heedless manner. "Do you like living here,
Miss Vincent?"
"Well," admitted Mildred, "it is rather too quiet for my taste. But I
have plenty to do in looking after my uncle and his business. He
depends so much on me, that I wonder what he will do when I get
married."
"When do you intend to get married?" asked Mrs. Bolstreath, curiously.
She could not disabuse herself of the idea that, living so close to
Mrs. Jarsell, and having an uncle who was helped by Mrs. Jarsell, the
girl knew something about the Society of Flies.
"Next year, the year after--I don't exactly know. It all depends upon
my dear Freddy's success. We must have a home and an income. But I
suppose we shall marry, sooner or later, and then Mrs. Jarsell can
look after Uncle Solomon."
"Who is Mrs. Jarsell?" asked Lillian, artfully and cautiously.
"She is an old lady who lives at The Grange with another old lady, her
former governess, Miss Armour. Both are charming. If you are dull
here, perhaps, Miss Moon, you would like to meet them?"
"Later, later," put in Mrs. Bolstreath, hurriedly, "thank you for the
suggestion, Miss Vincent. Meanwhile, we wish to explore the country.
It is a charming neighborhood, although very quiet in many respects."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account