Detective and mystery stories; London (England) -- Fiction; Murder -- Investigation -- Fiction
Mr. Vaud thought nothing about them. A detective had charge of the
case, and, in Mr. Vaud's opinion, it would be better to wait the
solution by him of this criminal problem. All this, as well as much
more, was expressed to Garth by the pompous lawyer. "And I should
advise you, Mr. Garth," he concluded, "not to let this unhappy episode
divert your energies from your business."
"As to that, I have precious little to do," retorted Garth, with some
heat; "you do not put much in my way, Mr. Vaud. I am always hard up."
"I am aware of that," replied Vaud, ignoring the beginning of the
speech, "and I am aware also that our late client assisted you several
times."
"Because I was necessary to him," said Garth, bitterly. "And I'll tell
you what, Mr. Vaud, had I known then what I know now about my cousin I
should never have accepted his help."
"Oh, dear me!" said Mr. Vaud, "quite so. Sir Gregory had many faults;
but are you a saint yourself, Mr. Garth?"
"I don't pretend to be one. Still, I never drove a woman to her
death."
"Do you know what you are saying, Mr. Garth?"
"Do you know the name of Emma Calvert, Mr. Vaud?"
The lawyer paled and pushed his chair from the table. "I--I
have--heard the--name," he stuttered.
"Then you have heard the name of a very injured woman, Mr. Vaud."
Before the other could reply a knock came to the door, and immediately
afterwards it opened to admit a tall and handsome young man. He bowed
to Garth and placed some papers before Mr. Vaud. "Will you please
excuse this intrusion, father, and look over these?" he said quietly.
"My son Herbert, Mr. Garth," said the elder Vaud, and again the young
man bowed. He rather resembled his father in appearance, but there was
a sternness about his manner which was wanting in that of the elder
gentleman. He was dark-haired, and clean shaven, with thin lips and a
compressed mouth. There was a look of resolution and hard work about
him which did not recommend his personality to pleasure-loving Garth.
However, the latter bowed and smiled when introduced, and scribbled on
a sheet of blotting-paper while Herbert spoke to his father. Still
thinking on the subject of his discourse with Mr. Vaud he absently
wrote the name of Emma Calvert. Young Vaud moved near him while
looking for a special paper, and in doing so his eye fell on the name.
With an ejaculation he drew back, and turned as pale as his father had
done.
"What do you know of Emma Calvert?" he demanded abruptly; "why do you
write down her name?"
"Herbert!" said the father, warningly--almost imploringly.
"I shall speak," said Herbert, his composure replaced by intense
excitement. "What do you knew of Emma Calvert, sir?"
Garth looked up surprised. "I know as much as Robert, the valet of
Fellenger, could tell me."
"A scamp who served a scamp," muttered the young man.
"Sir Gregory was my cousin, Mr. Herbert."
"Then your cousin was a scoundrel, Mr. Garth."
"Herbert, leave the room," said his father, sternly
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.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account