ItwastoldtoCommanderRaffletonbyaFrenchcomrade,whoindaysofpeacehadbeenapainter,minglingwithothersofhiskind,especiallysuchasfoundtheirinspirationinthewidehorizonsandlegend—haunteddellsofold—worldBrittany.AfterwardstheCommandertoldittotheProfessor,andtheProfessor’sonlystipulationwasthatitshouldnotbetoldtotheDoctor,atleastforatime.FortheDoctorwouldseeinitonlyconfirmationforhisownnarrowsense—boundtheories,whiletotheProfessoritconfirmedbeyondadoubttheabsolutetruthofthisstory.
ItcommencedintheyearEighteenhundredandninety—eight(annoDomini),onaparticularlyunpleasanteveninginlateFebruary——\"astormywinter’snight,\"onewoulddescribeit,wereonewritingmereromance.ItcametothelonelycottageofMadameLavigneontheedgeofthemoorthatsurroundsthesunkenvillageofAven—a—Christ.
MadameLavigne,whowasknittingstockings——forshelivedbyknittingstockings——heard,asshethought,apassingoffeet,andwhatseemedlikeatapatthedoor.Shedismissedtheidea,forwhowouldbepassingatsuchanhour,andwheretherewasnoroad?Butafewminuteslaterthetappingcameagain,andMadameLavigne,takinghercandleinherhand,wenttoseewhowasthere.Theinstantshereleasedthelatchagustofwindblewoutthecandle,andMadameLavignecouldseenoone.Shecalled,buttherewasnoanswer.Shewasabouttoclosethedooragainwhensheheardafaintsound.Itwasnotexactlyacry.Itwasasifsomeoneshecouldnotsee,inthetiniestofvoices,hadsaidsomethingshecouldnotunderstand.
MadameLavignecrossedherselfandmutteredaprayer,andthenshehearditagain.Itseemedtocomefromcloseatherfeet,andfeelingwithherhands——forshethoughtitmightbeastraycat——shefoundquitealargeparcel,Itwaswarmandsoft,though,ofcourse,abitwet,andMadameLavignebroughtitin,andhavingclosedthedoorandre—lithercandle,laiditonthetable.Andthenshesawitwasthetiniestofbabies.
Itmustalwaysbeadifficultsituation.MadameLavignedidwhatmostpeoplewouldhavedoneinthecase.Sheunrolledthewrappings,andtakingthelittlethingonherlap,satdowninfrontofthedullpeatfireandconsidered.Itseemedwonderfullycontented,andMadameLavignethoughtthebestthingtodowouldbetoundressitandputittobed,andthengoonwithherknitting.
ShewouldconsultFatherJeaninthemorningandtakehisadvice.
Shehadneverseensuchfineclothes.Shetookthemoffonebyone,lovinglyfeelingtheirtexture,andwhenshefinallyremovedthelastlittleshiftandthelittlewhitethinglayexposed,MadameLavignesprangupwithacryandallbutdroppeditintothefire.
ForshesawbythemarkthateveryBretonpeasantknowsthatitwasnotachildbutafairy.
Herpropercourse,asshewellknew,wastohaveopenedthedoorandflungitoutintothedarkness.Mostwomenofthevillagewouldhavedoneso,andspenttherestofthenightontheirknees.Butsomeonemusthavechosenwithforesight.TherecametoMadameLavignethememoryofhergoodmanandherthreetallsons,takenfromheronebyonebythejealoussea,and,comewhatmightofit,shecouldnotdoit.Thelittlethingunderstood,thatwasclear,foritsmiledquiteknowinglyandstretchedoutitslittlehands,touchingMadameLavigne’sbrownwitheredskin,andstirringforgottenbeatingsofherheart.
FatherJean——onetakeshimtohavebeenatolerant,gentlywiseoldgentleman——couldseenoharm.Thatis,ifMadameLavignecouldaffordtheluxury.Maybeitwasagoodfairy.Wouldbringherluck.AndcertainitisthatthecacklingofMadame’shenswasheardmoreoftenthanbefore,andtheweedsseemedfewerinthelittlepatchofgardenthatMadameLavignehadrescuedfromthemoor.
Ofcourse,thenewsspread.OnegathersthatMadameLavignerathergaveherselfairs.Buttheneighboursshooktheirheads,andthechildgrewuplonelyandavoided.Fortunately,thecottagewasfarfromotherhouses,andtherewasalwaysthegreatmoorwithitsdeephiding—places.FatherJeanwashersoleplaymate.Hewouldtakeherwithhimonhislongtrampsthroughhisscattereddistrict,leavingherscreenedamongthefurzeandbrackenneartothesolitaryfarmsteadswherehemadehisvisitations.
Hehadlearntitwasuseless:allattemptofMotherChurchtoscoldoutofthisseaandmoor—girtflocktheirpagansuperstitions.Hewouldleaveittotime.Later,perhapsopportunitymightoccurtoplacethechildinsomeconvent,whereshewouldlearntoforget,andgrowintoagoodCatholic.Meanwhile,onehadtotakepityonthelittlelonelycreature.Notentirelyforherownsakemaybe;adearaffectionatelittlesoulstrangelywise;sosheseemedtoFatherJean.Undertheshadeoftreesorsharingwarmshelterwiththesoft—eyedcows,hewouldteachherfromhissmallstockofknowledge.Everynowandthenshewouldstartlehimwithanintuition,acommentstrangelyunchildlike.Itwasasifshehadknownallaboutit,longago.FatherJeanwouldstealaswiftglanceatherfromunderhisshaggyeyebrowsandfallintoasilence.Itwascuriousalsohowthewildthingsofthefieldandwoodseemedunafraidofher.Attimes,returningtowherehehadleftherhidden,hewouldpause,wonderingtowhomshewastalking,andthenashedrewnearerwouldhearthestealingawayoflittlefeet,thestartledflutterofwings.Shehadelfishways,ofwhichitseemedimpossibletocureher.Oftenthegoodman,returningfromsomelatevisitofmercywithhislanternandhisstoutoakcudgel,wouldpauseandlistentoawanderingvoice.Itwasnevernearenoughforhimtohearthewords,andthevoicewasstrangetohim,thoughheknewitcouldbenooneelse.MadameLavignewouldshrughershoulders.Howcouldshehelpit?Itwasnotforhertocrossthe\"child,\"evensupposingboltsandbarslikelytobeofanyuse.FatherJeangaveitupindespair.Neitherwasitforhimeithertobetoooftenforbiddingandlecturing.Maybethecunningtenderwayshadwovetheirwebaboutthechildlessoldgentleman’sheart,makinghimalsosomewhatafraid.Perhapsotherdistractions!
ForMadameLavignewouldneverallowhertodoanythingbutthelightestofwork.Hewouldteachhertoread.SoquicklyshelearntthatitseemedtoFatherJeanshemustbemakingbelievenottohaveknownitalready.Buthehadhisrewardinwatchingthejoywithwhichshewoulddevour,forpreference,thequaintprintedvolumesofromanceandhistorythathewouldbringhometoherfromhisrarejourneyingstothedistanttown.
ItwaswhenshewasaboutthirteenthattheladiesandgentlemencamefromParis.Ofcoursetheywerenotrealladiesandgentlemen.
Onlyalittlecompanyofartistsseekingnewfields.Theyhad\"done\"thecoastandthetimberedhousesofthenarrowstreets,andoneofthemhadsuggestedexploringthesolitary,unknowninlands.
Theycameacrossherseatedonanoldgreystonereadingfromanancient—lookingbook,andshehadrisenandcurtsiedtothem.Shewasneverafraid.Itwasshewhoexcitedfear.Oftenshewouldlookafterthechildrenflyingfromher,feelingalittlesad.But,ofcourse,itcouldnotbehelped.Shewasafairy.Shewouldhavedonethemnoharm,butthistheycouldnotbeexpectedtounderstand.Itwasadelightfulchange;meetinghumanbeingswhoneitherscreamednorhastilyrecitedtheirpaternosters,butwho,instead,returnedone’ssmile.Theyaskedherwhereshelived,andsheshowedthem.TheywerestayingatAven—a—Christ;andoneoftheladieswasbraveenougheventokissher.Laughingandtalkingtheyallwalkeddownthehilltogether.TheyfoundMadameLavigneworkinginhergarden.MadameLavignewashedherhandsofallresponsibility.ItwasforSuzannetodecide.Itseemedtheywantedtomakeapictureofher,sittingonthegreystonewheretheyhadfoundher.Itwassurelyonlykindtoletthem;sonextmorningshewasthereagainwaitingforthem.Theygaveherafive—
francpiece.MadameLavignewasdoubtfulofhandlingit,butFatherJeanvouchedforitasbeinggoodRepublicanmoney;andasthedayswentbyMadameLavigne’sblackstockinggrewheavierandheavierasshehungitagaineachnightinthechimney.
Itwastheladywhohadfirstkissedherthatdiscoveredwhoshewas.Theyhadallofthemfeltsurefromthebeginningthatshewasafairy,andthat\"Suzanne\"couldnotbeherrealname.Theyfounditinthe\"HeptameronofFriarBonnet.InwhichisrecordedthenumerousadventuresofthevaliantandpuissantKingRyenceofBretagne,\"whichoneofthemhadpickedupontheQuaiauxFleursandbroughtwithhim.IttoldallabouttheWhiteLadies,andthereinshewasdescribed.Therecouldbenomistakingher;thefairbodythatwasliketoawillowswayedbythewind.Thewhitefeetthatcouldpass,leavingthedewunshakenfromthegrass.Theeyesblueanddeepasmountainlakes.Thegoldenlocksofwhichthesunwasjealous.
Itwasallquiteclear.ShewasMalvina,oncefavouritetoHarbundia,QueenoftheWhiteLadiesofBrittany.Forreasons——
furtherallusiontowhichpolitenessforbade——shehadbeenawanderer,nooneknowingwhathadbecomeofher.AndnowthewhimhadtakenhertoreappearasalittleBretonpeasantgirl,neartothesceneofherpastglories.Theykneltbeforeher,offeringherhomage,andalltheladieskissedher.Thegentlemenofthepartythoughttheirturnwouldfollow.Butitneverdid.Itwasnottheirownshynessthatstoodintheirway:onemustdothemthatjustice.Itwasasifsomeyouthfulqueen,exiledandunknownamongststrangers,hadbeensuddenlyrecognisedbyalittlebandofherfaithfulsubjects,passingbychancethatway.Sothat,insteadoffrolicandlaughter,ashadbeenintended,theyremainedstandingwithbaredheads;andnoonelikedtobethefirsttospeak.
Sheputthemattheirease——ortriedto——withagraciousgesture.
Butenjoineduponthemallherwishforsecrecy.Andsodismissedtheyseemtohavereturnedtothevillageamarvellouslysoberlittleparty,experiencingallthesensationsofhonestfolkadmittedtotheirfirstglimpseofhighsociety.
Theycameagainnextyear——atleastafewofthem——bringingwiththemadressmoreworthyofMalvina’swearing.ItwasasnearasPariscouldachievetothetrueandoriginalcostumeasdescribedbythegoodFriarBonnet,thewhichhadbeenwoveninasinglenightbythewizardspiderKaraioutofmoonlight.Malvinaaccepteditwithgraciousthanks,andwasevidentlypleasedtofindherselfagaininfitandproperclothes.ItwashiddenawayforrareoccasionswhereonlyMalvinaknew.Buttheladywhohadfirstkissedher,andwhosespecialitywasfairies,cravingpermission,Malvinaconsentedtowearitwhilesittingforherportrait.ThepictureonemaystillseeinthePalaisdesBeauxArtsatNantes(theBretonneRoom).Itrepresentsherstandingstraightasanarrow,alonelittlefigureinthecentreofatreelessmoor.Thepaintingoftherobeissaidtobeverywonderful.\"MalvinaofBrittany\"istheinscription,thedatebeingNineteenHundredandThirteen.
ThenextyearMalvinawasnolongerthere.MadameLavigne,foldingknottedhands,hadmutteredherlastpaternoster.PereJeanhadurgedtheconvent.Butforthefirsttime,withhim,shehadbeenfranklyobstinate.Somefancyseemedtohavegotintothechild’shead.SomethingthatsheevidentlyconnectedwiththevasttreelessmoorrisingsouthwardtowheretheancientmenhirofKingTaramiscrowneditssummit.Thegoodmanyielded,asusual.ForthepresenttherewereMadameLavigne’ssmallsavings.Suzanne’swantswerebutfew.TherareshoppingnecessaryFatherJeancouldseetohimself.Withthecomingofwinterhewouldbroachthesubjectagain,andthenbequitefirm.JustthesewerethesummernightswhenSuzannelovedtoroam;andasfordanger!therewasnotaladfortenleaguesroundwhowouldnothaverunamiletoavoidpassing,evenindaylight,thatcottagestandingwherethemoordipsdowntothesealands.
Butonesurmisesthatevenafairymayfeellonesome.Especiallyabanishedfairy,hangingasitwerebetweenearthandair,knowingmortalmaidenskissedandcourted,whileone’sowncompanionskeptawayfromoneinhiding.Maybethefancycametoherthat,afteralltheseyears,theymightforgiveher.Still,itwastheirmeetingplace,solegendran,especiallyofmidsummernights.Rareitwasnowforhumaneyetocatchaglimpseoftheshimmeringrobes,buthighonthetreelessmoortothemusicoftheLadyoftheFountain,onemightstillhear,wereonebraveenoughtoventure,therhythmoftheirdancingfeet.Ifshesoughtthem,softlycalling,mighttheynotrevealthemselvestoher,makeroomforheronceagaininthewhirlingcircle?Onehastheideathatthemoonlightfrockmayhaveaddedtoherhopes.Philosophyadmitsthatfeelingoneselfwelldressedgivesconfidence.
Ifallofthemhadnotdisappeared——beenkissedthreetimesuponthelipsbymortalmanandsobecomeawoman?ItseemstohavebeenapossibilityforwhichyourWhiteLadyhadtobeprepared.Thatis,ifshechosetosufferit.Ifnot,itwasunfortunateforthetoodaringmortal.Butifhegainedfavourinhereyes!Thathewasbrave,hiswooingproved.If,addedthereto,hewerecomely,withkindstrongways,andeyesthatdrewyou?HistoryprovesthatsuchdreamsmusthavecomeeventoWhiteLadies.Maybemoreespeciallyonmidsummernightswhenthemoonisatitsfull.ItwasonsuchanightthatSirGerylonhadwokeMalvina’ssisterSighilewithakiss.AtrueWhiteLadymustalwaysdaretofaceherfate.
ItseemstohavebefallenMalvina.SometoldFatherJeanhowhehadarrivedinachariotdrawnbywingedhorses,thethunderofhispassingwakingmanyinthesleepingvillagesbeneath.Andothershowhehadcomeintheformofagreatbird.FatherJeanhadheardstrangesoundshimself,andcertainitwasthatSuzannehaddisappeared.
FatherJeanheardanotherversionafewweekslater,toldhimbyanEnglishofficerofEngineerswhohadriddenfromtheneareststationonabicycleandwhoarrivedhotandravenouslythirsty.AndFatherJean,underpromiseofseeingSuzanneonthefirstopportunity,believedit.Buttomostofhisflockitsoundedanimpossiblerigmarole,toldforthepurposeofdisguisingthetruth.
Soendsmystory——orratherthestoryIhavepiecedtogetherfrominformationofacontradictorynaturereceived.Whateveryoumakeofit;whetherwiththeDoctoryouexplainitaway;orwhetherwithProfessorLittlecherry,LL.D.,F.R.S.,youbelievetheworldnotaltogetherexploredandmapped,thefactremainsthatMalvinaofBrittanyhaspassedaway.TotheyoungerMrs.Raffleton,listeningontheSussexDownstodull,distantsoundsthatmakeherheartbeat,andverynervousoftelegraphboys,hascomealreadysomeofthedisadvantagesattendantonhernewrankofwomanhood.Andyetonegathers,lookingdownintothosestrangedeepeyes,thatshewouldnotchangeanythingabouther,evenifnowshecould.
THESTREETOFTHEBLANKWALL.
IhadturnedofffromtheEdgwareRoadintoastreetleadingwest,theatmosphereofwhichhadappealedtome.Itwasaplaceofquiethousesstandingbehindlittlegardens.Theyhadtheusualnamesprintedonthestuccoedgateposts.Thefadingtwilightwasjustsufficienttoenableonetoreadthem.TherewasaLaburnumVilla,andTheCedars,andaCairngorm,risingtotheheightofthreestoreys,withacuriouslittleturretthatbranchedoutatthetop,andwascrownedwithaconicalroof,sothatitlookedasifwearingawitch’shat.Especiallywhentwosmallwindowsjustbelowtheeavessprangsuddenlyintolight,andgaveonethefeelingofapairofwickedeyessuddenlyflasheduponone.
Thestreetcurvedtotheright,endinginanopenspacethroughwhichpassedacanalbeneathalowarchedbridge.Therewerestillthesamequiethousesbehindtheirsmallgardens,andIwatchedforawhilethelamplighterpickingouttheshapeofthecanal,thatwidenedjustabovethebridgeintoalakewithanislandinthemiddle.AfterthatImusthavewanderedinacircle,forlateronI
foundmyselfbackinthesamespot,thoughIdonotsupposeIhadpassedadozenpeopleonmyway;andthenIsettoworktofindmywaybacktoPaddington.
IthoughtIhadtakentheroadbywhichIhadcome,butthehalflightmusthavedeceivedme.Notthatitmattered.Theyhadalurkingmysteryaboutthem,thesesilentstreetswiththeirsuggestionofhushedmovementbehinddrawncurtains,ofwhisperedvoicesbehindtheflimsywalls.Occasionallytherewouldescapethesoundoflaughter,suddenlystifledasitseemed,andoncethesuddencryofachild.
Itwasinashortstreetofsemi—detachedvillasfacingahighblankwallthat,asIpassed,Isawablindmovehalf—wayup,revealingawoman’sface.Agaslamp,theonlyonethestreetpossessed,wasnearlyopposite.Ithoughtatfirstitwasthefaceofagirl,andthen,asIlookedagain,itmighthavebeenthefaceofanoldwoman.Onecouldnotdistinguishthecolouring.Inanycase,thecold,bluegaslightwouldhavemadeitseempallid.
Theremarkablefeaturewastheeyes.Itmighthavebeen,ofcourse,thattheyalonecaughtthelightandheldit,renderingthemuncannilylargeandbrilliant.Oritmighthavebeenthattherestofthefacewassmallanddelicate,outofallproportiontothem.
Shemayhaveseenme,fortheblindwasdrawndownagain,andI
passedon.
Therewasnoparticularreasonwhy,buttheincidentlingeredwithme.Thesuddenraisingoftheblind,asofthecurtainofsomesmalltheatre,thebarelyfurnishedroomcomingdimlyintoview,andthewomanstandingthere,closetothefootlights,astomyfancyitseemed.Andthenthesuddenringingdownofthecurtainbeforetheplayhadbegun.Iturnedatthecornerofthestreet.Theblindhadbeendrawnupagain,andIsawagaintheslight,girlishfiguresilhouettedagainstthesidepanesofthebowwindow.
Atthesamemomentamanknockedupagainstme.Itwasnothisfault.Ihadstoppedabruptly,notgivinghimtimetoavoidme.Webothapologised,blamingthedarkness.Itmayhavebeenmyfancy,butIhadthefeelingthat,insteadofgoingonhisway,hehadturnedandwasfollowingme.Iwaitedtillthenextcorner,andthenswungroundonmyheel.Buttherewasnosignofhim,andafterawhileIfoundmyselfbackintheEdgwareRoad.
Onceortwice,inidlemood,Isoughtthestreetagain,butwithoutsuccess;andthethingwould,Iexpect,havefadedfrommymemory,butthatoneevening,onmywayhomefromPaddington,IcameacrossthewomanintheHarrowRoad.Therewasnomistakingher.Shealmosttouchedmeasshecameoutofafishmonger’sshop,andunconsciously,atthebeginning,Ifoundmyselffollowingher.ThistimeInoticedtheturnings,andfiveminutes’walkingbroughtustothestreet.HalfadozentimesImusthavebeenwithinahundredyardsofit.Ilingeredatthecorner.Shehadnotnoticedme,andjustasshereachedthehouseamancameoutoftheshadowsbeyondthelamp—postandjoinedher.
Iwasdueatabachelorgatheringthatevening,andafterdinner,theaffairbeingfreshinmymind,Italkedaboutit.Iamnotsure,butIthinkitwasinconnectionwithadiscussiononMaeterlinck.Itwasthatsuddenliftingoftheblindthathadcaughtholdofme.Asif,blunderingintoanemptytheatre,Ihadcaughtaglimpseofsomedramabeingplayedinsecret.Wepassedtoothertopics,andwhenIwasleavingafellowguestaskedmewhichwayIwasgoing.Itoldhim,and,itbeingafinenight,heproposedthatweshouldwalktogether.AndinthequietofHarleyStreetheconfessedthathisdesirehadnotbeenentirelythepleasureofmycompany.
\"Itisrathercurious,\"hesaid,\"buttodaytheresuddenlycametomyremembranceacasethatfornearlyelevenyearsIhavenevergivenathoughtto.Andnow,ontopofit,comesyourdescriptionofthatwoman’sface.Iamwonderingifitcanbethesame.\"
\"Itwastheeyes,\"Isaid,\"thatstruckmeassoremarkable.\"
\"ItwastheeyesthatIchieflyrememberherby,\"hereplied.
\"Wouldyouknowthestreetagain?\"
Wewalkedalittlewhileinsilence.
\"Itmayseem,perhaps,oddtoyou,\"Ianswered,\"butitwouldtroubleme,theideaofanyharmcomingtoherthroughme.Whatwasthecase?\"
\"Youcanfeelquitesafeonthatpoint,\"heassuredme.\"Iwashercounsel——thatis,ifitisthesamewoman.Howwasshedressed?\"
Icouldnotseethereasonforhisquestion.Hecouldhardlyexpecthertobewearingtheclothesofelevenyearsago.
\"Idon’tthinkInoticed,\"Ianswered.\"Somesortofablouse,I
suppose.\"AndthenIrecollected.\"Ah,yes,therewassomethinguncommon,\"Iadded.\"Anunusuallybroadbandofvelvet,itlookedlike,roundherneck.\"
\"Ithoughtso,\"hesaid.\"Yes.Itmustbethesame.\"
WehadreachedMaryleboneRoad,whereourwaysparted.
\"Iwilllookyouupto—morrowafternoon,ifImay,\"hesaid.\"Wemighttakeastrollroundtogether.\"
Hecalledonmeabouthalf—pastfive,andwereachedthestreetjustastheonesolitarygas—lamphadbeenlighted.Ipointedoutthehousetohim,andhecrossedoverandlookedatthenumber.
\"Quiteright,\"hesaid,onreturning.\"Imadeinquiriesthismorning.Shewasreleasedsixweeksagoonticket—of—leave.\"
Hetookmyarm.
\"Notmuchusehangingabout,\"hesaid.\"Theblindwon’tgoupto—night.Ratheracleveridea,selectingahousejustoppositealamp—post.\"
Hehadanengagementthatevening;butlateronhetoldmethestory——thatis,sofarashethenknewit.
***
Itwasintheearlydaysofthegardensuburbmovement.OneofthefirstsiteschosenwasofftheFinchleyRoad.Theplacewasinthebuilding,andoneofthestreets——LalehamGardens——hadonlysomehalfadozenhousesinit,allunoccupiedsaveone.Itwasalonely,looseendofthesuburb,terminatingsuddenlyinopenfields.Fromtheunfinishedendoftheroadthegroundslopeddownsomewhatsteeplytoapond,andbeyondthatbeganasmallwood.TheonehouseoccupiedhadbeenboughtbyayoungmarriedcouplenamedHepworth.
Thehusbandwasagood—looking,pleasantyoungfellow.Beingclean—shaven,hisexactagewasdifficulttojudge.Thewife,itwasquiteevident,waslittlemorethanagirl.Aboutthemantherewasasuggestionofweakness.Atleast,thatwastheimpressionleftonthemindofthehouse—agent.To—dayhewoulddecide,andto—morrowhechangedhismind.Jetson,theagent,hadalmostgivenuphopeofbringingoffadeal.IntheenditwasMrs.Hepworthwho,takingthematterintoherownhands,fixeduponthehouseinLalehamGardens.YoungHepworthfoundfaultwithitonthegroundofitsisolation.Hehimselfwasoftenawayfordaysatatime,travellingonbusiness,andwasafraidshewouldbenervous.Hehadbeenverypersistentonthispoint;butinwhisperedconversationsshehadpersuadedhimoutofhisobjection.Itwasoneofthosepretty,fussylittlehouses;anditseemedtohavetakenherfancy.
Addedtowhich,accordingtoherargument,itwasjustwithintheirmeans,whichnoneoftheotherswere.YoungHepworthmayhavegiventheusualreferences,butifsotheywerenevertakenup.Thehousewassoldonthecompany’susualterms.Thedepositwaspaidbyacheque,whichwasdulycleared,andthehouseitselfwassecurityfortherest.Thecompany’ssolicitor,withHepworth’sconsent,actedforbothparties.
ItwasearlyinJunewhentheHepworthsmovedin.Theyfurnishedonlyonebedroom;andkeptnoservant,acharwomancomingineverymorningandgoingawayaboutsixintheevening.Jetsonwastheirnearestneighbour.Hiswifeanddaughterscalledonthem,andconfesstohavetakenalikingtothemboth.Indeed,betweenoneoftheJetsongirls,theyoungest,andMrs.Hepworththereseemstohavesprungupaclosefriendship.YoungHepworth,thehusband,wasalwayscharming,andevidentlytookgreatpainstomakehimselfagreeable.Butwithregardtohimtheyhadthefeelingthathewasneveraltogetherathisease.Theydescribedhim——thoughthat,ofcourse,wasaftertheevent——ashavingleftuponthemtheimpressionofahauntedman.
Therewasoneoccasioninparticular.Itwasaboutteno’clock.
TheJetsonshadbeenspendingtheeveningwiththeHepworths,andwerejustonthepointofleaving,whentherecameasudden,clearknockatthedoor.ItturnedouttobeJetson’sforeman,whohadtoleavebyanearlytraininthemorning,andhadfoundthatheneededsomefurtherinstructions.ButtheterrorinHepworth’sfacewasunmistakable.Hehadturnedalooktowardshiswifethatwasalmostofdespair;andithadseemedtotheJetsons——or,talkingitoverafterwards,theymayhavesuggestedtheideatoeachother——thattherecameaflashofcontemptintohereyes,thoughityieldedthenextinstanttoanexpressionofpity.Shehadrisen,andalreadymovedsomestepstowardsthedoor,whenyoungHepworthhadstoppedher,andgoneouthimself.Butthecuriousthingwasthat,accordingtotheforeman’saccount,Hepworthneveropenedthefrontdoor,butcameuponhimstealthilyfrombehind.Hemusthaveslippedoutbythebackandcreptroundthehouse.
TheincidenthadpuzzledtheJetsons,especiallythatinvoluntaryflashofcontemptthathadcomeintoMrs.Hepworth’seyes.Shehadalwaysappearedtoadoreherhusband,andofthetwo,ifpossible,tobetheonemostinlovewiththeother.TheyhadnofriendsoracquaintancesexcepttheJetsons.Nooneelseamongtheirneighbourshadtakenthetroubletocallonthem,andnostrangertothesuburbhad,sofaraswasknown,everbeenseeninLalehamGardens.
UntiloneeveningalittlebeforeChristmas.
JetsonwasonhiswayhomefromhisofficeintheFinchleyRoad.
Therehadbeenamisthangingaboutallday,andwithnightfallithadsettleddownintoawhitishfog.SoonafterleavingtheFinchleyRoad,Jetsonnoticedinfrontofhimamanwearingalong,yellowmackintosh,andsomesortofsoftfelthat.HegaveJetsontheideaofbeingasailor;itmayhavebeenmerelythestiff,serviceablemackintosh.AtthecornerofLalehamGardensthemanturned,andglancedupatthenameuponthelamp—post,sothatJetsonhadafullviewofhim.Evidentlyitwasthestreetforwhichhewaslooking.Jetson,somewhatcurious,theHepworths’
housebeingstilltheonlyoneoccupied,pausedatthecorner,andwatched.TheHepworths’housewas,ofcourse,theonlyoneintheroadthatshowedanylight.Theman,whenhecametothegate,struckamatchforthepurposeofreadingthenumber.Satisfieditwasthehousehewanted,hepushedopenthegateandwentupthepath.
But,insteadofusingthebellorknocker,Jetsonwassurprisedtohearhimgivethreerapsonthedoorwithhisstick.Therewasnoanswer,andJetson,whoseinterestwasnowthoroughlyaroused,crossedtotheothercorner,fromwherehecouldcommandabetterview.Twicethemanrepeatedhisthreerapsonthedoor,eachtimealittlelouder,andthethirdtimethedoorwasopened.Jetsoncouldnottellbywhom,forwhoeveritwaskeptbehindit.
Hecouldjustseeonewallofthepassage,withapairofoldnavalcutlassescrossedabovethepictureofathree—mastedschoonerthatheknewhungthere.Thedoorwasopenedjustsufficient,andthemanslippedin,andthedoorwasclosedbehindhim.Jetsonhadturnedtocontinuehisway,whenthefancyseizedhimtogiveoneglanceback.Thehousewasincompletedarkness,thoughamomentbeforeJetsonwaspositivetherehadbeenalightinthegroundfloorwindow.
Itallsoundedveryimportantafterwards,butatthetimetherewasnothingtosuggesttoJetsonanythingverymuchoutofthecommon.
Becauseforsixmonthsnofriendorrelationhadcalledtoseethem,thatwasnoreasonwhyonenevershould.Inthefog,astrangermayhavethoughtitsimplertoknockatthedoorwithhisstickthantofumbleinsearchofabell.TheHepworthslivedchieflyintheroomattheback.Thelightinthedrawing—roommayhavebeenswitchedoffforeconomy’ssake.Jetsonrecountedtheincidentonreachinghome,notasanythingremarkable,butjustasonementionsanitemofgossip.TheonlyonewhoappearstohaveattachedanymeaningtotheaffairwasJetson’syoungestdaughter,thenagirlofeighteen.
Sheaskedoneortwoquestionsabouttheman,and,duringtheevening,slippedoutbyherselfandranroundtotheHepworths.Shefoundthehouseempty.Atallevents,shecouldobtainnoanswer,andtheplace,backandfront,seemedtohertobeuncannilysilent.
Jetsoncalledthenextmorning,somethingofhisdaughter’suneasinesshavingcommunicateditselftohim.Mrs.Hepworthherselfopenedthedoortohim.Inhisevidenceatthetrial,Jetsonadmittedthatherappearancehadstartledhim.Sheseemstohaveanticipatedhisquestionsbyatonceexplainingthatshehadhadnewsofanunpleasantnature,andhadbeenworryingoveritallnight.HerhusbandhadbeencalledawaysuddenlytoAmerica,whereitwouldbenecessaryforhertojoinhimassoonaspossible.ShewouldcomeroundtoJetson’sofficelaterinthedaytomakearrangementsaboutgettingridofthehouseandfurniture.
Thestoryseemedtoreasonablyaccountforthestranger’svisit,andJetson,expressinghissympathyandpromisingallhelpinhispower,continuedhiswaytotheoffice.Shecalledintheafternoonandhandedhimoverthekeys,retainingoneforherself.Shewishedthefurnituretobesoldbyauction,andhewastoacceptalmostanyofferforthehouse.Shewouldtryandseehimagainbeforesailing;ifnot,shewouldwritehimwithheraddress.Shewasperfectlycoolandcollected.Shehadcalledonhiswifeanddaughtersintheafternoon,andhadwishedthemgood—bye.
OutsideJetson’sofficeshehailedacab,andreturnedinittoLalehamGardenstocollectherboxes.ThenexttimeJetsonsawhershewasinthedock,chargedwithbeinganaccompliceinthemurderofherhusband.
***
ThebodyhadbeendiscoveredinapondsomehundredyardsfromtheunfinishedendofLalehamGardens.Ahousewasincourseoferectiononaneighbouringplot,andaworkman,indippingupapailofwater,haddroppedinhiswatch.Heandhismate,worryingroundwitharake,haddrawnuppiecesoftornclothing,andthis,ofcourse,hadledtothepondbeingproperlydragged.Otherwisethediscoverymightneverhavebeenmade.
Thebody,heavilyweightedwithanumberofflat—ironsfastenedtoitbyachainandpadlock,hadsunkdeepintothesoftmud,andmighthaveremainedtheretillitrotted.Avaluablegoldrepeater,thatJetsonrememberedyoungHepworthhavingtoldhimhadbeenapresentationtohisfather,wasinitsusualpocket,andacameoringthatHepworthhadalwayswornonhisthirdfingerwaslikewisefishedupfromthemud.Evidentlythemurderbelongedtothecategoryofcrimespassionel.Thetheoryoftheprosecutionwasthatithadbeencommittedbyamanwho,beforehermarriage,hadbeenMrs.Hepworth’slover.
Theevidence,contrastedwiththealmostspirituallybeautifulfaceofthewomaninthedock,cameasasurprisetoeveryoneincourt.
OriginallyconnectedwithanEnglishcircustroupetouringinHolland,sheappears,aboutseventeen,tohavebeenengagedasa\"songanddanceartiste\"ataparticularlyshadycafechantantinRotterdam,frequentedchieflybysailors.Fromthereaman,anEnglishsailorknownasCharlieMartin,tookheraway,andforsomemonthsshehadlivedwithhimatasmallestaminettheothersideoftheriver.Later,theyleftRotterdamandcametoLondon,wheretheytooklodgingsinPoplar,neartothedocks.
ItwasfromthisaddressinPoplarthat,sometenmonthsbeforethemurder,shehadmarriedyoungHepworth.WhathadbecomeofMartinwasnotknown.Thenaturalassumptionwasthat,hismoneybeingexhausted,hehadreturnedtohiscalling,thoughhisname,forsomereason,couldnotbefoundinanyship’slist.
ThathewasoneandthesamewiththemanthatJetsonhadwatchedtillthedooroftheHepworths’househadcloseduponhimtherecouldbenodoubt.Jetsondescribedhimasathick—set,handsome—lookingman,withareddishbeardandmoustache.EarlierinthedayhehadbeenseenatHampstead,wherehehaddinedatasmallcoffee—shopintheHighStreet.Thegirlwhohadwaitedonhimhadalsobeenstruckbythebold,piercingeyesandthecurlyredbeard.Ithadbeenanoff—time,betweentwoandthree,whenhehaddinedthere,andthegirladmittedthatshehadfoundhima\"pleasant—spokengentleman,\"and\"inclinedtobemerry.\"HehadtoldherthathehadarrivedinEnglandonlythreedaysago,andthathehopedthateveningtoseehissweetheart.Hehadaccompaniedthewordswithalaugh,andthegirlthought——though,ofcourse,thismayhavebeenafter—suggestion——thatanuglylookfollowedthelaugh.
Oneimaginesthatitwasthisman’sreturnthathadbeenthefearconstantlyhauntingyoungHepworth.Thethreerapsonthedoor,itwasurgedbytheprosecution,wasapre—arrangedorpre—understoodsignal,andthedoorhadbeenopenedbythewoman.Whetherthehusbandwasinthehouse,orwhethertheywaitedforhim,couldnotbesaid.Hehadbeenkilledbyabulletenteringthroughthebackoftheneck;themanhadevidentlycomeprepared.
Tendayshadelapsedbetweenthemurderandthefindingofthebody,andthemanwasnevertraced.ApostmanhadmethimcomingfromtheneighbourhoodofLalehamGardensatabouthalf—pastnine.Inthefog,theyhadallbutbumpedintooneanother,andthemanhadimmediatelyturnedawayhisface.
Aboutthesoftfelthattherewasnothingtoexciteattention,butthelong,stiff,yellowmackintoshwasquiteunusual.Thepostmanhadcaughtonlyamomentaryglimpseoftheface,butwascertainitwascleanshaven.Thismadeasensationincourtforthemoment,butonlyuntilthecallingofthenextwitness.ThecharwomanusuallyemployedbytheHepworthshadnotbeenadmittedtothehouseonthemorningofMrs.Hepworth’sdeparture.Mrs.Hepworthhadmetheratthedoorandpaidheraweek’smoneyinlieuofnotice,explainingtoherthatshewouldnotbewantedanymore.Jetson,thinkinghemightpossiblydobetterbylettingthehousefurnished,hadsentforthiswoman,andinstructedhertogivetheplaceathoroughcleaning.Sweepingthecarpetinthedining—roomwithadustpanandbrush,shehaddiscoveredanumberofshortredhairs.
Theman,beforeleavingthehouse,hadshavedhimself.
Thathehadstillretainedthelong,yellowmackintoshmayhavebeenwiththeideaofstartingafalseclue.Havingserveditspurpose,itcouldbediscarded.Thebeardwouldnothavebeensoeasy.Whatroundaboutwayhemayhavetakenonecannotsay,butitmusthavebeensometimeduringthenightorearlymorningthathereachedyoungHepworth’sofficeinFenchurchStreet.Mrs.Hepworthhadevidentlyprovidedhimwiththekey.
Thereheseemstohavehiddenthehatandmackintoshandtohavetakeninexchangesomeclothesbelongingtothemurderedman.
Hepworth’sclerk,Ellenby,anelderlyman——ofthetypethatonegenerallydescribesasofgentlemanlyappearance——wasaccustomedtohismasterbeingawayunexpectedlyonbusiness,whichwasthatofaships’furnisher.Healwayskeptanovercoatandabagreadypackedintheoffice.Missingthem,Ellenbyhadassumedthathismasterhadbeencalledawaybyanearlytrain.Hewouldhavebeenworriedafterafewdays,butthathehadreceivedatelegram——ashethensupposedfromhismaster——explainingthatyoungHepworthhadgonetoIrelandandwouldbeawayforsomedays.ItwasnothingunusualforHepworthtobeabsent,superintendingthefurnishingofaship,forafortnightatatime,andnothinghadtranspiredintheofficenecessitatingspecialinstructions.ThetelegramhadbeenhandedinatCharingCross,butthetimechosenhadbeenabusyperiodoftheday,andnoonehadanyrecollectionofthesender.Hepworth’sclerkunhesitatinglyidentifiedthebodyasthatofhisemployer,forwhomitwasevidentthathehadentertainedafeelingofaffection.AboutMrs.Hepworthhesaidaslittleashecould.
Whileshewasawaitinghertrialithadbeennecessaryforhimtoseeheronceortwicewithreferencetothebusiness.Previoustothis,heknewnothingabouther.
Thewoman’sownattitudethroughoutthetrialhadbeenquiteunexplainable.Beyondagreeingtoaformalpleaof\"Notguilty,\"
shehadmadenoattempttodefendherself.Whatlittleassistancehersolicitorshadobtainedhadbeengiventhem,notbythewomanherself,butbyHepworth’sclerk,moreforthesakeofhisdeadmasterthanoutofanysympathytowardsthewife.Sheherselfappearedutterlyindifferent.Onlyoncehadshebeenbetrayedintoamomentaryemotion.Itwaswhenhersolicitorswereurgingheralmostangrilytogivethemsomeparticularsuponapointtheythoughtmightbehelpfultohercase.
\"He’sdead!\"shehadcriedoutalmostwithanoteofexultation.
\"Dead!Dead!Whatelsematters?\"
Thenextmomentshehadapologisedforheroutburst.
\"Nothingcandoanygood,\"shehadsaid.\"Letthethingtakeitscourse.\"
Itwastheastoundingcallousnessofthewomanthattoldagainstherbothwiththejudgeandthejury.Thatshavinginthedining—room,themurderedman’sbodynotyetcold!ItmusthavebeendonewithHepworth’ssafety—razor.Shemusthavebroughtitdowntohim,foundhimalooking—glass,broughthimsoapandwaterandatowel,afterwardsremovingalltraces.Exceptthosefewredhairsthathadclung,unnoticed,tothecarpet.Thatnestofflat—ironsusedtoweightthebody!Itmusthavebeenshewhohadthoughtofthem.
Theideawouldneverhaveoccurredtoaman.Thechainandpadlockwithwhichtofastenthem.Sheonlycouldhaveknownthatsuchthingswereinthehouse.ItmusthavebeenshewhohadplannedtheexchangeofclothesinHepworth’soffice,givinghimthekey.Sheitmusthavebeenwhohadthoughtofthepond,holdingopenthedoorwhilethemanhadstaggeredoutunderhisghastlyburden;waited,keepingwatch,listeningtohearthesplash.
Evidentlyithadbeenherintentiontogooffwiththemurderer——tolivewithhim!ThatstoryaboutAmerica.Ifallhadgonewell,itwouldhaveaccountedforeverything.AfterleavingLalehamGardensshehadtakenlodgingsinasmallhouseinKentishTownunderthenameofHoward,givingherselfouttobeachorussinger,herhusbandbeinganactorontour.Tomakethethingplausible,shehadobtainedemploymentinoneofthepantomimes.Notforamomenthadshelostherhead.Noonehadevercalledatherlodgings,andtherehadcomenolettersforher.Everyhourofherdaycouldbeaccountedfor.Theirplansmusthavebeenworkedoutoverthecorpseofhermurderedhusband.Shewasfoundguiltyofbeingan\"accessoryafterthefact,\"andsentencedtofifteenyears’penalservitude.
Thatbroughtthestoryuptoelevenyearsago.Afterthetrial,interestedinspiteofhimself,myfriendhadferretedoutsomefurtherparticulars.InquiriesatLiverpoolhadprocuredhimtheinformationthatHepworth’sfather,ashipownerinasmallway,hadbeenwellknownandhighlyrespected.Hewasretiredfrombusinesswhenhedied,somethreeyearsprevioustothedateofthemurder.
Hiswifehadsurvivedhimbyonlyafewmonths.BesidesMichael,themurderedson,thereweretwootherchildren——anelderbrother,whowasthoughttohavegoneabroadtooneofthecolonies,andasisterwhohadmarriedaFrenchnavalofficer.Eithertheyhadnotheardofthecaseorhadnotwishedtohavetheirnamesdraggedintoit.YoungMichaelhadstartedlifeasanarchitect,andwassupposedtohavebeendoingwell,butafterthedeathofhisparentshaddisappearedfromtheneighbourhood,and,untilthetrial,noneofhisacquaintancesupNortheverknewwhathadbecomeofhim.
Butafurtheritemofknowledgethatmyfriend’sinquirieshadelicitedhadsomewhatpuzzledhim.Hepworth’sclerk,Ellenby,hadbeentheconfidentialclerkofHepworth’sfather!Hehadenteredtheserviceofthefirmasaboy;andwhenHepworthseniorretired,Ellenby——withtheoldgentleman’sassistance——hadstartedinbusinessforhimselfasaships’furnisher!Nothingofallthiscameoutatthetrial.Ellenbyhadnotbeencross—examined.Therewasnoneedforit.Butitseemedodd,underallthecircumstances,thathehadnotvolunteeredtheinformation.Itmay,ofcourse,havebeenforthesakeofthebrotherandsister.HepworthisacommonenoughnameintheNorth.Hemayhavehopedtokeepthefamilyoutofconnectionwiththecase.
Asregardsthewoman,myfriendcouldlearnnothingfurtherbeyondthefactthat,inhercontractwiththemusic—hallagentinRotterdam,shehaddescribedherselfasthedaughterofanEnglishmusician,andhadstatedthatbothherparentsweredead.Shemayhaveengagedherselfwithoutknowingthecharacterofthehall,andtheman,CharlieMartin,withhishandsomefaceandpleasingsailorways,andatleastanEnglishman,mayhaveseemedtoherawelcomeescape.
Shemayhavebeenpassionatelyfondofhim,andyoungHepworth—
—crazyabouther,forshewasbeautifulenoughtoturnanyman’shead——mayinMartin’sabsencehaveliedtoher,toldherhewasdead——lordknowswhat!——toinducehertomarryhim.Themurdermayhaveseemedtoherasortofgrimjustice.
Butevenso,hercold—bloodedcallousnesswassurelyabnormal!Shehadmarriedhim,livedwithhimfornearlyayear.TotheJetsonsshehadgiventheimpressionofbeingawomandeeplyinlovewithherhusband.Itcouldnothavebeenmereactingkeptupdayafterday.
\"Therewassomethingelse.\"Wewerediscussingthecaseinmyfriend’schambers.Hisbriefofelevenyearsagowasopenbeforehim.Hewaspacingupanddownwithhishandsinhispockets,thinkingashetalked.\"Somethingthatnevercameout.Therewasacuriousfeelingshegavemeinthatmomentwhensentencewaspronounceduponher.Itwasasif,insteadofbeingcondemned,shehadtriumphed.Acting!Ifshehadactedduringthetrial,pretendedremorse,evenpity,Icouldhavegotheroffwithfiveyears.Sheseemedtobeunabletodisguisetheabsolutephysicalreliefshefeltatthethoughtthathewasdead,thathishandwouldneveragaintouchher.Theremusthavebeensomethingthathadsuddenlybeenrevealedtoher,somethingthathadturnedherlovetohate.
\"Theremustbesomethingfineabouttheman,too.\"Thatwasanothersuggestionthatcametohimashestoodstaringoutofthewindowacrosstheriver.\"She’spaidandhasgotherreceipt,butheisstill’wanted.’Heisriskinghisneckeveryeveninghewatchesfortheraisingofthatblind.\"
Histhoughttookanotherturn.
\"Yethowcouldhehavelethergothroughthosetenyearsoflivingdeathwhilehewalkedthestreetsscotfree?Sometimeduringthetrial——theevidencepilingupagainstherdaybyday——whydidn’thecomeforward,ifonlytostandbesideher?Gethimselfhanged,ifonlyoutofmeredecency?\"
Hesatdown,tookthebriefupinhishandwithoutlookingatit.
\"Orwasthattherewardthatsheclaimed?Thatheshouldwait,keepingalivetheonehopethatwouldmakethesufferingpossibletoher?Yes,\"hecontinued,musing,\"Icanseeamanwhocaredforawomantakingthatashispunishment.\"
Nowthathisinterestinthecasehadbeenrevivedheseemedunabletokeepitoutofhismind.SinceourjointvisitIhadonceortwicepassedthroughthestreetbymyself,andonthelastoccasionhadagainseentheraisingoftheblind.Itobsessedhim——thedesiretomeetthemanfacetoface.Ahandsome,bold,masterfulman,heconceivedhim.Buttheremustbesomethingmoreforsuchawomantohavesoldhersoul——almost,onemightsay——forthesakeofhim.
Therewasjustonechanceofsucceeding.EachtimehehadcomefromthedirectionoftheEdgwareRoad.Bykeepingwelloutofsightattheotherendofthestreet,andwatchingtillheenteredit,onemighttimeoneselftocomeuponhimjustunderthelamp.Hewouldhardlybelikelytoturnandgoback;thatwouldbetogivehimselfaway.Hewouldprobablycontenthimselfwithpretendingtobelikeourselves,merelyhurryingthrough,andinhisturnwatchingtillwehaddisappeared.
Fortuneseemedinclinedtofavourus.Abouttheusualtimetheblindwasgentlyraised,andverysoonafterwardstherecameroundthecornerthefigureofaman.Weenteredthestreetourselvesafewsecondslater,anditseemedlikelythat,aswehadplanned,weshouldcomefacetofacewithhimunderthegaslight.Hewalkedtowardsus,stoopingandwithbenthead.Weexpectedhimtopassthehouseby.Tooursurprisehestoppedwhenhecametoit,andpushedopenthegate.Inanothermomentweshouldhavelostallchanceofseeinganythingmoreofhimexcepthisbentback.Withacoupleofstridesmyfriendwasbehindhim.Helaidhishandontheman’sshoulderandforcedhimtoturnround.Itwasanold,wrinkledfacewithgentle,ratherwateryeyes.
Wewerebothsotakenabackthatforamomentwecouldsaynothing.
Myfriendstammeredoutanapologyabouthavingmistakenthehouse,andrejoinedme.Atthecornerweburstoutlaughingalmostsimultaneously.Andthenmyfriendsuddenlystoppedandstaredatme.
\"Hepworth’soldclerk!\"hesaid.\"Ellenby!\"
***
Itseemedtohimmonstrous.Themanhadbeenmorethanaclerk.
Thefamilyhadtreatedhimasafriend.Hepworth’sfatherhadsethimupinbusiness.Forthemurderedladhehadhadasincereattachment;hehadleftthatconvictiononallofthem.Whatwasthemeaningofit?
Adirectorywasonthemantelpiece.Itwasthenextafternoon.I
hadcalleduponhiminhischambers.Itwasjustanideathatcametome.Icrossedoverandopenedit,andtherewashisname,\"EllenbyandCo.,Ships’Furnishers,\"inacourtofftheMinories.
Washehelpingherforthesakeofhisdeadmaster——tryingtogetherawayfromtheman.Butwhy?Thewomanhadstoodbyandwatchedtheladmurdered.Howcouldhebeareventolookonheragain?
Unlesstherehadbeenthatsomethingthathadnotcomeout——
somethinghehadlearntlater——thatexcusedeventhatmonstrouscallousnessofhers.
Yetwhatcouldtherebe?Ithadallbeensoplanned,socold—blooded.Thatshavinginthedining—room!Itwasthatseemedmosttostickinhisthroat.Shemusthavebroughthimdownalooking—glass;therewasnotoneintheroom.Whycouldn’thehavegoneupstairsintothebathroom,whereHepworthalwaysshavedhimself,wherehewouldhavefoundeverythingtohishand?
Hehadbeenmovingabouttheroom,talkingdisjointedlyashepaced,andsuddenlyhestoppedandlookedatme.
\"Whyinthedining—room?\"hedemandedofme.
Hewasjinglingsomekeysinhispocket.Itwasahabitofhiswhencross—examining,andIfeltasifsomehowIknew;and,withoutthinking——soitseemedtome——Iansweredhim.
\"Perhaps,\"Isaid,\"itwaseasiertobringarazordownthantocarryadeadmanup.\"
Heleantwithhisarmsacrossthetable,hiseyesglitteringwithexcitement.
\"Can’tyouseeit?\"hesaid.\"Thatlittlebackparlourwithitsfussyornaments.Thethreeofthemstandingroundthetable,Hepworth’shandsnervouslyclutchingachair.Thereproaches,thetaunts,thethreats.YoungHepworth——hestruckeveryoneasaweakman,amanphysicallyafraid——white,stammering,notknowingwhichwaytolook.Thewoman’seyesturningfromonetotheother.Thatflashofcontemptagain——shecouldnothelpit——followed,worsestill,bypity.Ifonlyhecouldhaveansweredback,heldhisown!
Ifonlyhehadnotbeenafraid!Andthenthatfatalturningawaywithasneeringlaughoneimagines,thebold,dominatingeyesnolongertheretocowerhim.
\"Thatmusthavebeenthemoment.Thebullet,ifyouremember,enteredthroughthebackoftheman’sneck.Hepworthmustalwayshavebeenpicturingtohimselfthismeeting——tenantsofgardensuburbsdonotcarryloadedrevolversasahabit——dwellinguponittillhehadworkedhimselfupintoafrenzyofhateandfear.Weakmenalwaysflytoextremes.Iftherewasnootherway,hewouldkillhim.
\"Can’tyouhearthesilence?Afterthereverberationshaddiedaway!Andthentheyarebothdownontheirknees,pattinghim,feelingforhisheart.Themanmusthavegonedownlikeafelledox;therewerenotracesofbloodonthecarpet.Thehouseisfarfromanyneighbour;theshotinallprobabilityhasnotbeenheard.
Ifonlytheycangetridofthebody!Thepond——notahundredyardsaway!\"
Hereachedforthebrief,stilllyingamonghispapers;hurriedlyturnedthescoredpages.
\"Whateasier?Ahousebeingbuiltontheverynextplot.
Wheelbarrowstobehadforthetaking.Alineofplanksreachingdowntotheedge.Depthofwaterwherethebodywasdiscoveredfourfeetsixinches.Nothingtodobutjusttipupthebarrow.
\"Thinkaminute.Mustweighhimdown,lestherisetoaccuseus;
weighthimheavily,sothathewillsinklowerandlowerintothesoftmud,lietheretillherots.
\"Thinkagain.Thinkitouttotheend.Suppose,inspiteofallourprecautions,hedoesrise?Supposethechainslips?Theworkmengoingtoandfroforwater——supposetheydodiscoverhim?
\"Heislyingonhisback,remember.Theywouldhaveturnedhimovertofeelforhisheart.Haveclosedhiseyes,mostprobably,notlikingtheirstare.
\"Itwouldbethewomanwhofirstthoughtofit.Shehasseenthembothlyingwithclosedeyesbesideher.Itmayhavealwaysbeeninhermind,thelikenessbetweenthem.WithHepworth’swatchinhispocket,Hepworth’sringonhisfinger!Ifonlyitwasnotforthebeard——thatfierce,curling,redbeard!
\"Theycreeptothewindowandpeerout.Fogstillthickassoup.
Notasoul,notasound.Plentyoftime.
\"Thentogetaway,tohidetilloneissure.Putonthemackintosh.
Amaninayellowmackintoshmayhavebeenseentoenter;lethimbeseentogoaway.Insomedarkcornerorsomeemptyrailwaycarriagetakeitoffandrollitup.Thenmakefortheoffice.WaitthereforEllenby.Trueassteel,Ellenby;goodbusinessman.BeguidedbyEllenby.\"
Heflungthebrieffromhimwithalaugh.
\"Why,there’snotamissinglink!\"hecried.\"Andtothinkthatnotafoolamonguseverthoughtofit!\"
\"Everythingfittingintoitsplace,\"Isuggested,\"exceptyoungHepworth.Canyouseehim,fromyourdescriptionofhim,sittingdownandcoollyelaboratingplansforescape,thecorpseofthemurderedmanstretchedbesidehimonthehearthrug?\"
\"No,\"heanswered.\"ButIcanseeherdoingit,awomanwhoforweekafterweekkeptsilencewhileweragedandstormedather,awomanwhoforthreehourssatlikeastatuewhileoldCutbushpaintedhertoacrowdedcourtasamodernJezebel,whoroseupfromherseatwhenthatsentenceoffifteenyears’penalservitudewaspronounceduponherwithalookoftriumphinhereyes,andwalkedoutofcourtasifshehadbeenagirlgoingtomeetherlover.
\"I’llwager,\"headded,\"itwasshewhodidtheshaving.Hepworthwouldhavecuthim,evenwithasafety—razor.\"
\"Itmusthavebeentheotherone,Martin,\"Isaid,\"thatsheloathed.Thatalmostexultationatthethoughtthathewasdead,\"I
remindedhim.
\"Yes,\"hemused.\"Shemadenoattempttodisguiseit.Curioustherehavingbeenthatlikenessbetweenthem.\"Helookedathiswatch.\"Doyoucaretocomewithme?\"hesaid.
\"Whereareyougoing?\"Iaskedhim.
\"Wemayjustcatchhim,\"heanswered.\"EllenbyandCo.\"
***
Theofficewasonthetopfloorofanold—fashionedhouseinacul—de—sacofftheMinories.Mr.Ellenbywasout,sothelankyoffice—boyinformedus,butwouldbesuretoreturnbeforeevening;
andwesatandwaitedbythemeagrefiretill,astheduskwasfalling,weheardhisfootstepsonthecreakingstairs.
Hehaltedamomentinthedoorway,recognisingusapparentlywithoutsurprise;andthen,withahopethatwehadnotbeenkeptwaitinglong,heledthewayintoaninnerroom.
\"Idonotsupposeyourememberme,\"saidmyfriend,assoonasthedoorwasclosed.\"Ifancythat,untillastnight,youneversawmewithoutmywigandgown.Itmakesadifference.IwasMrs.
Hepworth’sseniorcounsel.\"
Itwasunmistakable,thelookofreliefthatcameintotheold,dimeyes.Evidentlytheincidentofthepreviouseveninghadsuggestedtohimanenemy.
\"Youwereverygood,\"hemurmured.\"Mrs.Hepworthwasoverwroughtatthetime,butshewasverygrateful,Iknow,forallyourefforts.\"
IthoughtIdetectedafaintsmileonmyfriend’slips.
\"Imustapologiseformyrudenesstoyouoflastnight,\"hecontinued.\"Iexpected,whenItookthelibertyofturningyouround,thatIwasgoingtofindmyselffacetofacewithamuchyoungerman.\"
\"Itookyoutobeadetective,\"answeredEllenby,inhissoft,gentlevoice.\"Youwillforgiveme,I’msure.Iamrathershort—
sighted.Ofcourse,Icanonlyconjecture,butifyouwilltakemyword,IcanassureyouthatMrs.HepworthhasneverseenorheardfromthemanCharlieMartinsincethedateof\"——hehesitatedamoment——\"ofthemurder.\"
\"Itwouldhavebeendifficult,\"agreedmyfriend,\"seeingthatCharlieMartinliesburiedinHighgateCemetery.\"
Oldashewas,hesprangfromhischair,whiteandtrembling.
\"Whathaveyoucomeherefor?\"hedemanded.
\"Itookmorethanaprofessionalinterestinthecase,\"answeredmyfriend.\"TenyearsagoIwasyoungerthanIamnow.Itmayhavebeenheryouth——herextremebeauty.IthinkMrs.Hepworth,inallowingherhusbandtovisither——herewhereheraddressisknowntothepolice,andwatchatanymomentmaybesetuponher——isplacinghiminapositionofgravedanger.Ifyoucaretolaybeforemeanyfactsthatwillallowmetojudgeofthecase,Iampreparedtoputmyexperience,and,ifneedbe,myassistance,atherservice.\"
Hisself—possessionhadreturnedtohim.