FREE BOOKS

Author's List




PREV.   NEXT  
|<   91   92   93   94   95   96   97   98   99   100   101   102   103   104   105   106   107   108   109   110   111   112   113   114   115  
116   117   118   119   120   121   122   123   124   125   126   127   128   129   130   131   132   133   134   135   136   >>  
arteen, to find your mother, if possible--and--she is here. Don't be alarmed." Dorothy sank into a chair, weak with relief. Teddy put forth his hand to help her. Instinctively she remained clasping his arm as if his presence gave her strength. "And she's all right--she isn't hurt--or--or anything?" she implored breathlessly. "She's very ill, I'm afraid," said Brencherly. "I think you--had better not go to her till the doctor comes. I've sent for him." "Oh! but I must--I must!" she cried, tears in her voice. In the rush of happenings no one had thought of Mrs. Mellows. Hers was not a personality to commend itself in moments of stress. Now she suddenly appeared, her eyes swollen with sleep, her ample form swathed in a dressing gown. "What _is_ the matter?" she complained. "I told you, Dorothy, that I thought it very bad form, indeed, for you and Mr. Mahr to go out. In bereavements, such as yours, sir, it's not the proper thing for you to be making exhibitions of yourself. Like as not the reporters have been taking pictures. And at any time they may find out that my poor dear sister is ill and wandering. I don't know _what_ to say! The papers will be full of it. And you!" she exclaimed, having for the first time become aware of the detective's presence. "Who are you. How did you get in? I hope and pray you're not a reporter!--Dorothy, don't tell me you've brought a reporter in here--or I shall leave this house at once!" "No, Aunt, no!" cried Dorothy. "This--this gentleman, has brought my mother home. She's in her room now--she's--" Mrs. Mellows turned and made a rush down the corridor. Four pairs of hands stayed her in her flight. "No--no!" begged Dorothy. "This gentleman says she is very ill. We mustn't disturb her--Aunt--please--the doctor is coming." As if the name had conjured him, a ring announced Doctor Balys' arrival. He entered hastily, his emergency bag in his hand. "Mr. Brencherly, come with me, please," he ordered. "You can tell me the details as I work. Miss Marteen and Mrs. Mellows, wait for me, and I'll come and tell you the facts just as soon as I know them myself." He nodded unceremoniously and followed Brencherly. As they neared Mrs. Marteen's room the silence was suddenly broken by a cry. Balys strode past his guide and threw open the door. Mrs. Marteen, sitting erect in the bed, held out rigid arms as if in desperate appeal. The terrified maid stood by, wringing her hands.
PREV.   NEXT  
|<   91   92   93   94   95   96   97   98   99   100   101   102   103   104   105   106   107   108   109   110   111   112   113   114   115  
116   117   118   119   120   121   122   123   124   125   126   127   128   129   130   131   132   133   134   135   136   >>  



Top keywords:

Dorothy

 
Brencherly
 

Mellows

 

Marteen

 

doctor

 

thought

 
suddenly
 
gentleman
 

presence

 

mother


reporter

 

brought

 

begged

 

disturb

 

flight

 
turned
 

corridor

 
stayed
 

broken

 

silence


strode

 

neared

 

nodded

 
unceremoniously
 

desperate

 

appeal

 

sitting

 

hastily

 
entered
 

emergency


terrified

 

arrival

 
Doctor
 

conjured

 

announced

 

ordered

 
wringing
 
details
 

coming

 

afraid


implored
 

breathlessly

 

personality

 

commend

 

moments

 

happenings

 

relief

 
alarmed
 

arteen

 
strength