The Strange Countess BY EDGAR WALLACE BOSTON SMALL, MAYNARD & COMPANY PUBLISHERS [COPYRIGHT] Copyright, 1926 By SMALL, MAYNARD & COMPANY (INCORPORATED) [DEDICATION] To D. C. THOMSON WITH THE AUTHOR’S HAPPIEST MEMORIES OF A LONG BUSINESS ASSOCIATION CONTENTS Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-one Chapter Twenty-two Chapter Twenty-three Chapter Twenty-four Chapter Twenty-five Chapter Twenty-six Chapter Twenty-seven Chapter Twenty-eight Chapter Twenty-nine Chapter Thirty Chapter Thirty-one Chapter Thirty-two Chapter Thirty-three Chapter Thirty-four Chapter Thirty-five Chapter Thirty-six The Strange Countess Chapter One Lois Margeritta Reddle sat on the edge of her bed, a thick and heavy cup of pallid tea in one hand, a letter in the other. The tea was too sweet, the bread was cut generously even as it was buttered economically, but she was so completely absorbed in the letter that she forgot the weakness of Lizzy Smith as a caterer. The note was headed with a gilt crest and the paper was thick and slightly perfumed. 307 Chester Square, S.W. The Countess of Moron is pleased to learn that Miss Reddle will take up her duties as resident secretary on Monday, the 17th. Miss Reddle is assured of a comfortable position, with ample opportunities for recreation. The door was thrust open and the red and shining face of Lizzy was thrust in. “Bathroom’s empty,” she said briefly. “Better take your own soap--you can see through the bit that’s left. There’s one dry towel and one half-dry. What’s the letter?” “It is from my countess--I start on Monday.” Lizzy pulled a wry face. “Sleep in, of course? That means I’ve got to get somebody to share these digs. Last girl who slept here snored. I will say one thing about you, Lois, you don’t snore.” Lois’ eyes twinkled, the sensitive mouth curved for a second in the ghost of a smile. “Well, you can’t say that I haven’t looked after you,” said Lizzy with satisfaction. “I’m the best manager you’ve ever roomed with, I’ll bet. I’ve done the shopping and cooked and everything--you’ll admit that?” Lois slipped her arm round the girl and kissed her homely face. “You’ve been a darling,” she said, “and in many ways I’m sorry I’m going. But, Lizzy, I’ve tried hard to move on all my life. From the National School in Leeds to that little cash desk at Roopers, and from Roopers to the Drug Stores, and then to the great lawyers----”