She said: 'Because in a year Mr. Ravengar will probably have--passed
away.'
Not another word of explanation would she add.
'Yes,' I said; 'I can hit on a plan.'
And, as a matter of fact, a scheme had suddenly flashed into my head.
She asked me what the scheme was. And I murmured that it began with our
marriage on the following day. I had in my possession a license which
would enable us to go through the ceremony at once.
'Trust me,' I said. 'You have trusted me enough to agree to marry me.
Trust me in everything.'
I did not venture to tell her just then what my scheme was.
She went to her lodging that night in my brougham. After she had gone I
found poor old Mrs. Dant drugged in the kitchen. On the next morning
Camilla and I were married at a registry office. She objected to the
registry-office at first, but in the end she agreed, on the condition
that I got her a spray of orange-blossom to wear at her breast. It's no
business of yours, Polycarp, but I may tell you that this feminine
trait, this almost childish weakness, in a woman of so superb and
powerful a character, simply enchanted me. I obtained the
orange-blossom.
Then you will remember I sent for you, Polycarp, made my will, and
accompanied you to my safe in your private vault, in order to deposit
there some secret instructions.
Pages:
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183