The Secret Passage
on of Senora Gredos, and why had Susan Grant stolen it? And again, why did she hint that she had held her tongue about the matter for the sake
h Maraquito a
edos? Yes, sir,
what went on
looking puzzled. "It was a gay house, I know; but there was nothing wrong
k," muttered Jennings. "Did you ever
e old friends of hers. And I think they were sorry for poor Senora Gredos, sir," added Miss Grant, naively, "as she suffered so
aid Jennings, snapping her up sharply.
r. Do y
at's one for you, Jennings," said he, no
ould have ended the matter at once had I spoken to my chief about it. As it was, I judged
d Susan, who appeared rather indignant. "S
lone always,
n hesitated. "I wonde
o you
lady who came to
. He
was as like Senora Gredos as two peas, s
ng. "Did you ever hear Senora
at Hampstead. But she was like my old mistress. When I opened the door to her I
sharply. "The scent
ice scent - a Japanese scent called Hikui. She used no o
rs. Herne
making the passage like a hairdresser's shop. I leaned forward to see if the lady was Senora Gredos, and she turned he
m offended when you
a kind o
f you," said Je
She never sa
ctive. "Did you also recognize Mr. Clancy an
ver set eyes o
d, you must have o
, took my place. And I hardly ever went upstairs, as Senora Gredos told me to keep below. One evening I did come up and sa
aid Mallow irritably,
estion." He turned to Susan, now weeping again with down
en I knew every l
was t
at it, and when I left I could not bear to leave it behind. It was stealing, I know," cried
d these barefaced confessions made him wince. He was about to interpose irritably when
such thing. I knew Maraquito only as the keeper o
her turn with a flush of jealousy.
olishly in talking like this to a love-sick servant, and turned on his heel abruptly. "I'll go in the next room," said he, "call me when you wish for my presence, Jennings. I c
wailed, "and I would lay down m
pared to make use of the girl's infatuation, "it is absurd y
," she said positively, "and many a time have I read of a governess, which
ings, hardly knowing what to say, "and fiction
poor Susan sighed, "she is a sweet
He will be m
. A poor servant like me has to look on and keep her heart up with the Church Service. But I tell you what, sir," she added, dryi
s not in love wit
unable to move from that couch, she loves him. She had that photograph in her room and kissed it, as it I saw with my own eyes. I too
s, taken aback by this vehemence
iss Saxon is a sweet, kind, young lady put upon by her mother, I wouldn't give him up even to her. But I can see there's no chance for
Not yet, my girl," he said firmly, "if
er all, he can't help giving his heart elsewhere. It's just m
nd out who kill
r. Hale were all gone, and when the bell rang she was alone, dead in her chair with them c
to that shortly, my girl. But about this photogr
etimes, and I went up the stairs against orders after eight to watch. I saw him and found him more good-looking than the photograph. Often did I watch him and envy Senora Gredo
y, "at least I don't think so. It is impossible to say h
u ask hi
. But he won't speak wh
mournfully, "though I was improving myself in spelling and figures so
Herald fiction," said
But I will do anything I can to help Mr. Mallo
By the way, what
out to service. I have a happy home, though not fashionable. And af
ry to leave
cards will haunt me always. Mrs. Pill, as is going to marry Thoma
"What's that? How can Mrs. P
. Miss Saxon wished to sell the place, but Thomas Barnes spoke to her and
ully, "he was that time in M
keep boarders, let him rent it with furniture as it stands. She and Mrs. Octagon are going back to town, and Mrs.
he has a
being afraid she and Thomas could not pay the rent. So Thomas saw Mr. Clancy and he is coming to stop. He has tak
ce. "I think Mrs. Pill is very wise. I hope she and Thomas
marry him. He was guided by Miss Loach all his life, and now she's dead, he goes about like a gaby. One of those men, sir," explained Susan,
to you is to go home and think no more of Mr. Mallow. You might as well love the moon. But you know my address, and should you hear of an
, "but I won't take a penny piece, me havi
ow is about to offer a reward on
n love with Mi
rn who killed her. And Mr. Mallow also wishes to know, for a p
sir. I go to the wedding, and me and
revelation of the truth, you will remember. By the way
ir, I
s. Herne is Senor
sir,
open and your mouth closed, and when you hear of anythi
not without another lingering glance at the
ind Cuthbert smoking. He jumped up when he saw the detec
low. The girl can't help falling in love with
especially as I never saw the girl
e sure
nni
tom of this affair which is getting more complicated ev
o, I didn't. I g
re cer
ke out how it came in
his mother to make trouble between you and Miss Saxon. Moreover, if it is as I surmise, it sh
iss Loach gave her a chance of assert
re, as Miss Loach might not have left her fortu
Her heart may have been set on the match, and she might have threatened to leave her fortune elsewhere if Mrs. Octagon did not agr
ed questions?" aske
in love with me. I stayed away from her house because she became too attentive. I never told you this, as n
t, what between Miss Saxon, Susan Grant a
y. "Juliet is the only woman I l
ll prevent yo
n," scoffe
she can make mischief. There's Mrs. Herne who ma
mon herself," v
owever, I shall call on Mrs. Herne at Hampstead. She was a witness, you know? Keep quiet, M
see your
me before I learn the truth. There is a lot at