“I’ve always dreamed of a trip to Europe,” sighed Cornelia. “But I just didn’t feel I’d ever get there.”
“Miss Bowers will come with me as usual, of course,” said Miss Van Schuyler.
“But as a social companion I find her limited–very limited. There are many little things that Cornelia can do for me.”
“I’d just love to, Cousin Marie,” said Cornelia eagerly.
“Well, well, then that’s settled,” said Miss Van Schuyler. “Just run and find
Miss Bowers, my dear. It’s time for my egg nog.” Cornelia departed.
Her mother said:
“My dear Marie, I’m really most grateful to you! You know I think Cornelia suffers a lot from not being a social success. It makes her feel kind of mortified. If I could afford to take her.to places—but you know how it’s been since Ned died.”
“I’m very glad to take her,” said Miss Van Schuyler. “Cornelia has always been a nice handy girl, willing to run errands, and not so selfish as some of these young peo. ple nowadays.”
Mrs. Robson rose and kissed her rich relative’s wrinkled and slightly yellow face.
“I’m just ever so grateful,” she declared.
On the stairs she met a tall capable looking woman who was carrying a glass containing a yellow foamy liquid.
“Well, Miss Bowers, so you’re off to Europe?” “Why, yes, Mrs. Robson.” “What a lovely trip!”
“Why, yes, I should think it would be very enjoyable.”
“But you’ve been abroad before?”
“Oh yes, Mrs. Robson. I went over to Pis with Miss Van Schuyler last Fall.
But I’ve never been to Egypt before.”
Mrs. Robson hesitated.
“I do hopc there won’t be any–trouble.”
She had lowered her voice.
Miss Bowers, however, replied in her usual tone.
“Oh, no, Mrs. Robson, I shall take good care of that. I keep a very sharp look out always.”
But there was still a faint shadow on Mrs. continued down the stairs.
Robson’s face as she slowly
In his office down town Mr. Andrew Pennington was opening his personal mail.
Suddenly his fist clenched itself and came down on his desk with a bang, his face crimsoned and two big veins stood out on his forehead.
He pressed a buzzer on his desk and a smart-looking stenographer appeared with commendable promptitude.
“Tell Mr. Rockford to step in here.” “Yes, Mr. Pennington.” A few minutes later, Sterndale Rockford, Pennington’s partner, entered the office. The two men were not unlike–both tall, spare with grey hair and clean-shaven clever faces.
“What’s up, Pennington?” Pennington looked up from the letter he was rereading.
He said: “Linnet’s married ” “What?” “You heard what I said! Linnet Ridgeway’s married!”
“How? When? Why didn’t we hear about it?”
Pennington glanced at the calendar on his desk.
“She wasn’t married when she wrote this letter, but she’s married now.
Morning of the 4th. That’s today.” Rockford dropped into a chair.
“Whew! No warning? Nothing? Who’s the man?”
Pennington referred again to the letter.
“Doyle. Simon Doyle.” “What sort of a fellow is he? Ever heard of him?” “No. She doesn’t say much …. “He scanned the lines of clear upright handwriting. “Got an idea there’s something hole and corner about the business That doesn’t matter. The whole point is, she’s married.” The eyes of the two men met. Rockford nodded.
“This needs a bit of thinking out,” he said quietly.
“What are we going to do about it?” “I’m asking you.” The two men sat silent.
Then Rockford said: “Got any plan?” Pennington said slowly: “The Normandie sails to-day. One of us could just make it.” “You’re crazy! What’s the big idea?” Pennington said: “Those British lawyers–” and stopped.
“What about ’em? Surely you’re not going over to tackle ’em? You’re mad!” “I’m not suggesting you–or I–should go to England.” “What’s the big idea, then?” Pennington smoothed out the letter on the table.
“Linnet’s going to Egypt for her honeymoon. Expects to be there a month or more ….
“Egypt–eh ?”
Rockford considered. Then he looked up and met the other’s glance.
“Egypt,” he Said, “that’s your idea!”
“Yes–a chance meeting. Over on a trip. Linnet and her husband– honeymoon atmosphere. It might be done.”
Roelfford said doubtfully:
“She’s sharp, Linnet is… but–“