friend," continued the unabashed visitor, "I know how overcome you must be----"

"I am not overcome at all," said Pauline, rising, and determined to hear no more; "and I must beg to be excused, Mrs. Frothingham, as I have many matters to attend to this morning."

"Ah, yes, of course, you have. We will not detain you. The Count and I merely called for a moment to inquire----"

"Yes, I quite understand. Miss Frayne will be pleased to answer your inquiries. Thank you both, and--good-morning."

With a polite but distant bow, Pauline left the room, and as Count Charlier sprang to hold the door open for her, he, after a moment's hesitation, followed her out.

"A moment, I beg, Miss Stuart," he said as they reached the hall; "You are offended at Mrs. Frothingham's intrusion, but have I not a right to call? Was I not such a friend of Miss Carrington as to justify this tribute of respect to her memory?"

"Certainly, Count," and Pauline grew a shade kinder, "but I am not sufficiently acquainted with your friend to receive her visits."

"Ah, no. That is conceded. But, I pray you, tell me of the sad affair. I have heard no details,--that is, unless you would rather not."

"No, I am not unwilling. You were a good friend of Aunt Lucy's--she was fond of you, and I am glad to talk to some one. Let us sit here." Pauline indicated a recessed seat in the hall and the pair sat there. She recounted briefly the story of the tragedy and the Count was duly sympathetic. Pauline watched him closely, and discerned great interest but little grief or sorrow.

"A burglar, of course," said the Count hearing of the cruel weapon. "How could any one attack the charming lady! And the marvelous jewels she wore! They were, of course, stolen?"

"No; that's the strange part. They were not."

"Ah, how splendid!" and his absorbed air of satisfaction gave Pauline a thrill of disgust at his cold-bloodedness. "And now they are all yours? Those magnificent gems?"

"The property, most of it, is divided between my cousin and myself."

"Your cousin? Mr. Haviland?"

 Prev. P 35/186 next