A Coin of Edward VII: A Detective Story — David Hume — John Shaqi
A Coin of Edward VII: A Detective Story
David Hume · en
"You had much better leave the matter alone and get another situation,
Miss Denham," said Morley sagely. "We will probably hear no more of
this, and when you go the matter will fade from Daisy's mind. I'll send
her away to the seaside for a week, and have the doctor to see her."
"Dr. Tait shall see her at once," said Mrs. Morley, with more vigor than
was usual with her. "But about your going, Miss Denham, I am truly
sorry. You have been a good friend to me, and the dear children do you
credit. I hope we shall see you again."
"When Daisy is married, not before," replied Anne firmly; "but I will
keep you advised of my address."
After some further conversation on this point the two women left the
library. Daisy had shut herself in her room, and thither went Mrs.
Morley. She managed to sooth the girl, and gave her a sedative which
calmed her nerves. When Daisy woke from sleep somewhere about five she
expressed herself sorry for her foolish chatter, but still entertained a
dread and a hatred of Anne. The governess wisely kept out of the way and
made her preparations for departure. As yet the children were not told
that they were to lose her. Knowing what their lamentations would be
like, Mrs. Morley wisely determined to postpone that information till
the eleventh hour.
There was to be a midnight service at the parish church in honor of the
New Year, and Anne determined to go. She wanted all the spiritual help
possible in her present state of perplexity. The unhappy love that
existed between her and Giles, the enmity of Daisy, the anxiety of the
anonymous letter--these things worried her not a little. She received
permission from Mrs. Morley to go to the midnight service.
"But be careful Daisy does not see you," said she anxiously.
"Is Daisy going also?"
"Yes. Giles is coming to take her in his motor-car."
"I hope she will say nothing to him about the letter."
"I'll see to that. She is much quieter and recognizes how foolish she
has been. It will be all right."
Morley was much upset by the state of affairs. But a few days before and
life had been all plain sailing, now there was little else but trouble
and confusion. His ruddy face was pale, and he had a careworn
expression. For the most part of the day he remained in his library and
saw no one. Towards the evening he asked his wife not to bring the
triplets to the library as usual, as he had to see some one on business.
Who it was he refused to say, and Mrs. Morley, having no curiosity, did
not press the question.
After dinner the visitor arrived--a tall man muffled in a great-coat
against the cold, and wearing a thick white scarf round his throat. He
was shown into the library and remained with Mr. Morley till after nine.
About that time Anne found occasion to go into the library in search of
a book. She had not heard the prohibition of Morley, and did not
hesitate to enter without knocking, supposing that no one was within.