The hands of the clock had passed the hour of five before the buzz of a distant bell brought her to her feet. Hurrying to the window she peeped between the curtains in time to see a stylish7 roadster electric glide8 down the driveway leading from the McIntyre residence and stop at the curb9. As she turned to go back to her chair Dr. Stone was ushered10 into the library by the footman. Mrs. Brewster welcomed her cousin with frank relief.
“I have waited so impatiently for you,” she confessed, making room for him to sit on the sofa by her side.
“I was detained, Margaret.” Stone's voice was not over-cordial; three imperative11 telephone calls from her, coming at a moment when he had been engaged with a serious case in his office, had provoked him. “Do you wish to see me professionally?”
Stone, observing her fine coloring and clear eyes, silently agreed with her. The widow made a charming picture in her modish13 tea-gown, and the physician, watching her with an appraising14 eye, acknowledged the beauty which had captivated all Washington. Mrs. Brewster had carried her honors tactfully, a fact which had gained her popularity even among the dowagers and match-making mothers who take an active part in Washington's social season.
“Then, Margaret, what do you wish to see me about?” Stone asked, after waiting without result for her to continue speaking.
She laughed softly. “You are the most practical of men,” she said. “It would not have been so difficult to find a companion anxious to spend the whole afternoon with me for my sake alone.”
“Colonel McIntyre, for instance?” he teased, and laughed amusedly at her heightened color. “Have a care, Margaret; McIntyre's flirtations are all very well, but he is the type of man to be deadly in earnest when once he falls in love.”
“Thanks for your warning,” Mrs. Brewster smiled, then grew serious. “I sent for you to ask about Jimmie Turnbull's death this morning. Barbara told me you accompanied them to the police court.”
“Yes. Why weren't you with the girls?”
“Because I was told nothing of their trip to the police court until they had returned,” she replied. “How horribly tragic16 the whole affair is!” And a shiver she could not suppress crept down her spine17.
Stone leaned a little nearer. “Have you learned the nature of that wager?” he asked, lowering his voice.
“No. Babs was in so hysterical19 a condition when she returned from the police court that she gave a very incoherent account of the whole affair, and she has kept her room ever since luncheon,” explained Mrs. Brewster.
Stone looked puzzled. “I understood that Jimmie was attentive20 to Helen McIntyre and not to Barbara,” he said. “But upon my word, Barbara appeared more overcome by Jimmie's death than Helen.”
Mrs. Brewster did not reply at once; instead, she glanced carefully around. The room was generally the rallying place of the McIntyres. It stretched across almost the entire width of the house; the diamond-paned and recessed21 windows gave it a medieval air in keeping with its antique furniture, and the seven doors opening from it led, respectively, to the large dining room beyond, a morning room, billiard room, the front and back halls, and the Italian loggia which over-looked the stretch of ground between the McIntyre residence and its neighbor on the north. Apparently22, she and Dr. Stone had the room to themselves.
“I cannot answer your question with positiveness,” she stated. “Frankly, Jimmie appeared impartial23 in his attentions to the twins. When he wasn't with Barbara he was with Helen, and vice24 versa.”
Stone gazed at her in some perplexity. “Are you aware that Helen stated at the police court this morning that she was Turnbull's fiancee?”
“I was a bit surprised myself,” acknowledged the physician. “I thought Rochester—however, that is neither here nor there. Helen not only announced she was Jimmie's fiancee but as such demanded that a post-mortem examination be held to determine the cause of his death.”
Mrs. Brewster's pretty color faded and the glance she turned on her cousin was sharp. “Why should Helen suspect foul26 play?” she demanded. “For that is what her request hinted.”
“True.” Stone pulled his beard absentmindedly. “Ah, here is Colonel McIntyre,” he exclaimed as the portieres before the hall door parted and a tall man strode into the library.
McIntyre was a favorite with the old physician, and he welcomed his arrival with warmth. Exchanging a word of greeting with Mrs. Brewster, McIntyre drew up a chair and dropped into it.
“I called at your office, doctor,” he said. “Went there at once on learning the shocking news about poor Turnbull. Why in the world didn't he announce who he was when my daughter had him arrested as a burglar? He must have realized that prolonged excitement was bad for his weak heart.”
Mrs. Brewster, who had settled herself more comfortably in her corner of the sofa on McIntyre's arrival, answered his remark.
“I only knew Jimmie superficially,” she said, “but he had one distinguishing trait patent to all, his inordinate27 fondness for practical jokes. Probably the predicament he found himself in was highly to his taste—until his heart failed.”
Her voice, slightly raised, carried across the room and reached the ears of a tall, slender girl who had stood hesitating on the threshold of the dining worn door on beholding28 the group by the sofa. All hesitation29 vanished, however, as the meaning of Mrs. Brewster's remark dawned on her, and she walked over to the sofa.
“You are very unjust, Margaret,” she stated, and at sound of her low triante voice McIntyre whirled around and frowned slightly. “Jimmie was thinking of the predicament of others, not of himself.”
“What do you mean, Helen?” her father demanded.
“Why, how could Jimmie reveal his identity in court without involving us?” she asked. “Good afternoon, doctor,” recollecting30 her manners, and her attention thus diverted, she missed the sudden questioning look which Mrs. Brewster and her father exchanged. “No,” she continued, “Jimmie sacrificed himself for others.”
The girl flushed at his tone, and Dr. Stone, an interested onlooker32, marveled at the fleeting33 flash of disdain34 which lighted her dark eyes. Stone's interest grew. The McIntyre family had always been particularly congenial, and the devotion of Colonel McIntyre (left a widower35 when the twins were in short frocks) to his daughters had been commented on frequently by their wide circle of friends in Washington and by acquaintances made in their travels abroad.
Colonel McIntyre had married when quite a young man. Frugality36 and industry and a brilliant mind had reaped their reward, and, wiser than the majority of Americans, he retired37 early from business and devoted38 himself to a life of leisure and the education of his daughters. Their debut39 the previous autumn had been one of the social events of the Washington season, and the instant popularity the girls had attained40 proved a source of pride to Colonel McIntyre. His chief pleasure consisted in gratifying their every whim41, and Dr. Stone, knowing the family as he did, wondered at the faintly discernible air of constraint42 in the girl's manner. Usually frank to a sometimes embarrassing degree, she appeared to some disadvantage as she sat gazing moodily43 at the tips of her patent-leather pumps. Dr. Stone's attention shifted to Colonel McIntyre and lastly to the pretty widow at his elbow. Had Dame44 Rumor45 spoken truly in the report, widely circulated, that the colonel had fallen a victim to the charms of Margaret Brewster, his daughters' guest? If so, it might account for the young girl's manner—however devoted McIntyre's daughters might be to Mrs. Brewster as a friend and companion, they might resent having so young a woman for their step-mother.
Not receiving any reply to his remarks, McIntyre was about to address his daughter again when she spoke46.
“Jimmie will be justified,” she declared stoutly47. “Has the coroner held the autopsy48 yet, Dr. Stone?”
“Autopsy!” McIntyre spoke with sharp abruptness49. “I thought it was clearly established that Jimmie died from angina pectoris?”
“It is so believed,” responded Stone. His mystification was growing; had not Helen informed her father of the scene which had transpired50 at the police court, and of her request to the coroner? “I understand the post-mortem examination will be made this afternoon, Helen.”
A heavy paper knife, nicely balanced between McIntyre's well manicured fingers, dropped to the floor as a step sounded behind him and the butler, Grimes, stopped by his side.
“Mr. Rochester just telephoned that his partner, Mr. Harry51 Kent, is out of town, Miss”—bowing to the silent girl. Grimes always contented52 himself with addressing his “young ladies” by the simple prefix53 “Miss,” and never added their given names, because, as he expressed it, “them twins are alike as two peas, and which is which, I dunno.” Considering himself one of the family from his long service with Colonel McIntyre, he kept a watchful54 eye on the twins, but their pranks55 in childhood had often exasperated56 him into giving notice, which he generally found it convenient to forget when the first of a new month came around.
“Mr. Kent will be back to-morrow,” added the butler, as silence followed the delivery of his message. “Mr. Rochester wishes to know if he can transact57 any business for you.”
“Please thank him and say no.” The girl's color rose as she caught her father's disapproving58 look. The colonel waited until the butler had disappeared before addressing her.
“Why did you send for Harry Kent?” he questioned. “You know I do not approve of his attentions to Barbara. Rochester is well enough—”
“Speaking of Rochester”—Mrs. Brewster saw the gathering59 storm clouds in the girl's expressive60 eyes, and broke hastily into the conversation. “I see by the paper, Cousin Amos”—she turned so as to face Dr. Stone— “that Mr. Rochester declared positively61 that Jimmie Turnbull died from angina pectoris.”
“What's Philip's opinion worth?” The young girl smiled disdainfully. “Philip seems to think that having shared an apartment with Jimmie, gives him intimate knowledge of Jimmie's health. Philip is not a medical man.”
“No,” acknowledged her father. “But here is a medical man who was on the spot when Jimmie died. What's your opinion, Stone?”
Stone, suddenly conscious of the keen attention of his companions, spoke slowly as was his wont62 when making a serious statement.
“Rochester's contention63 that Jimmie died from angina pectoris would seem borne out by what transpired,” he said. “Undoubtedly Jimmie felt an attack coming on and used the customary remedy to relieve it—”
“And what was that remedy?” questioned Mrs. Brewster swiftly.
“Amyl nitrite.” Stone spoke with decision. “I could detect its presence by the fruity, pleasant odor which always accompanies the drug's use.”
“Ah!” The exclamation64 slipped from Mrs. Brewster. “Is the drug administered in water?”
“No, it is inhaled65—take care, you have dropped your handkerchief.” Stone pulled himself up short in his speech, and bent66 over but the young girl was too quick for him, and stooped first to pick up her handkerchief.
As she raised her head Stone caught sight of the tiny mole67 under the lobe68 of her left ear. It was the one mark which distinguished69 Barbara from her twin sister. Colonel McIntyre had addressed his daughter as Helen, and she had not undeceived him—Why? The perplexed70 physician gave up the problem.
“The drug,” he went on to explain, “amyl nitrite comes in pearl capsules and is crushed in a handkerchief and the fumes71 inhaled.”
Mrs. Brewster leaned forward suddenly. “Would that cause death?” she asked.
Stone shook his head in denial. “Not the customary dose of three minims,” he answered, and turning, found that Barbara had stolen from the room.
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1
captious
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| adj.难讨好的，吹毛求疵的 | |
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artistic
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| adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的 | |
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3
appreciation
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| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
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4
tapestries
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| n.挂毯( tapestry的名词复数 )；绣帷，织锦v.用挂毯（或绣帷）装饰( tapestry的第三人称单数 ) | |
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5
embroidery
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| n.绣花，刺绣；绣制品 | |
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impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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stylish
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| adj.流行的，时髦的；漂亮的，气派的 | |
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8
glide
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| n./v.溜，滑行；(时间)消逝 | |
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curb
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| n.场外证券市场，场外交易；vt.制止，抑制 | |
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10
ushered
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| v.引，领，陪同( usher的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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11
imperative
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| n.命令，需要；规则；祈使语气；adj.强制的；紧急的 | |
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12
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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13
modish
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| adj.流行的，时髦的 | |
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14
appraising
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| v.估价( appraise的现在分词 )；估计；估量；评价 | |
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15
wager
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| n.赌注；vt.押注，打赌 | |
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16
tragic
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| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
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17
spine
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| n.脊柱，脊椎；(动植物的)刺；书脊 | |
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18
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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19
hysterical
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| adj.情绪异常激动的，歇斯底里般的 | |
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20
attentive
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| adj.注意的，专心的；关心(别人)的，殷勤的 | |
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21
recessed
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| v.把某物放在墙壁的凹处( recess的过去式和过去分词 )；将（墙）做成凹形，在（墙）上做壁龛；休息，休会，休庭 | |
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22
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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23
impartial
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| adj.(in,to)公正的，无偏见的 | |
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24
vice
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| n.坏事；恶习；[pl.]台钳，老虎钳；adj.副的 | |
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25
astound
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| v.使震惊，使大吃一惊 | |
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26
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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27
inordinate
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| adj.无节制的；过度的 | |
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28
beholding
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| v.看，注视( behold的现在分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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29
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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30
recollecting
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| v.记起，想起( recollect的现在分词 ) | |
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31
arrant
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| adj.极端的；最大的 | |
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32
onlooker
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| n.旁观者，观众 | |
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33
fleeting
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| adj.短暂的，飞逝的 | |
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34
disdain
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| n.鄙视，轻视；v.轻视，鄙视，不屑 | |
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35
widower
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| n.鳏夫 | |
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36
frugality
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| n.节约，节俭 | |
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37
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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38
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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39
debut
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| n.首次演出，初次露面 | |
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40
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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41
whim
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| n.一时的兴致，突然的念头；奇想，幻想 | |
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42
constraint
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| n.(on)约束，限制；限制(或约束)性的事物 | |
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43
moodily
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| adv.喜怒无常地；情绪多变地；心情不稳地；易生气地 | |
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44
dame
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| n.女士 | |
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45
rumor
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| n.谣言，谣传，传说 | |
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46
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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47
stoutly
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| adv.牢固地，粗壮的 | |
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48
autopsy
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| n.尸体解剖；尸检 | |
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49
abruptness
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| n. 突然，唐突 | |
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50
transpired
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| （事实，秘密等）被人知道( transpire的过去式和过去分词 )； 泄露； 显露； 发生 | |
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51
harry
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| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
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52
contented
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| adj.满意的，安心的，知足的 | |
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53
prefix
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| n.前缀；vt.加…作为前缀；置于前面 | |
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54
watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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55
pranks
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| n.玩笑，恶作剧( prank的名词复数 ) | |
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56
exasperated
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| adj.恼怒的 | |
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57
transact
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| v.处理；做交易；谈判 | |
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58
disapproving
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| adj.不满的，反对的v.不赞成( disapprove的现在分词 ) | |
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59
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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60
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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61
positively
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| adv.明确地，断然，坚决地；实在，确实 | |
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62
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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63
contention
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| n.争论，争辩，论战；论点，主张 | |
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64
exclamation
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| n.感叹号，惊呼，惊叹词 | |
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65
inhaled
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| v.吸入( inhale的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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66
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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67
mole
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| n.胎块；痣；克分子 | |
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68
lobe
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| n.耳垂，（肺，肝等的）叶 | |
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69
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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70
perplexed
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| adj.不知所措的 | |
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71
fumes
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| n.(强烈而刺激的)气味，气体 | |
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