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

t Hampstead. But she was like my old mistress. When I opened the door to her I

sharply. "The scent

nice 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

r, took my place. And I hardly ever went upstairs, as Senora Gredos told me to keep below. One evening I did come up and

said 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

o such thing. I knew Maraquito only as the keeper

her turn with a flush of jealousy.

lishly 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 ca

wailed, "and I would lay down

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

om 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

ng time before I learn the truth. There is