A Coin of Edward VII: A Detective Story

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Hume Fergus. A Coin of Edward VII: A Detective Story

CHAPTER I. THE CHRISTMAS TREE

CHAPTER II. AN ANONYMOUS LETTER

CHAPTER III. A MYSTERIOUS VISITOR

CHAPTER IV. THE CHURCHYARD

CHAPTER V. AFTERWARDS

CHAPTER VI. THE CASE AGAINST ANNE

CHAPTER VII. OLIVER MORLEY

CHAPTER VIII. THE IRONY OF FATE

CHAPTER IX. A STRANGE DISCOVERY

CHAPTER X. ON A FRESH TRAIL

CHAPTER XI. PRINCESS KARACSAY

CHAPTER XII. MRS. PARRY'S TEA

CHAPTER XIII. MRS. BENKER REAPPEARS

CHAPTER XIV. TREASURE TROVE

CHAPTER XV. AN AWKWARD INTERVIEW

CHAPTER XVI. THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS

CHAPTER XVII. PART OF THE TRUTH

CHAPTER XVIII. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT

CHAPTER XIX. THE CLUE LEADS TO LONDON

CHAPTER XX. MANY A SLIP 'TWIXT CUP AND LIP

CHAPTER XXI. A STORY OF THE PAST

CHAPTER XXII. OLGA'S EVIDENCE

CHAPTER XXIII. MARK DANE

CHAPTER XXIV. A RAT IN A CORNER

CHAPTER XXV. A CATASTROPHE

CHAPTER XXVI. THE END OF THE TROUBLE

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After the riot of the evening came the silence of the night. The children departed amidst the stormy laughter of Morley, and it was Anne's task to see that the triplets were put comfortably to bed. She sat in the nursery, and watched the washing and undressing and hair-curling, and listened to their joyous chatter about the wonderful presents and the wonderful pleasures of that day. Afterwards, when they were safely tucked away, she went down to supper and received the compliments of Morley on her capability in entertaining children. Mrs. Morley also, and in a more genuine way, added her quota of praise.

"You are my right hand, Miss Denham," she said, with a smile in her weary blue eyes. "I don't know what I shall do without you."

.....

Daisy, wide-eyed, pallid, and thoroughly frightened, fled whimpering, and sought refuge in her own room. Anne closed the door, and locked it so as to prevent a repetition of this unpleasant visit. Then she went to open the window, for the air of the room seemed tainted by the presence of Daisy. Flinging wide the casement, Anne leaned out into the bitter air and looked at the wonderful white snow-world glittering in the thin, chill moonlight. She drew several long breaths, and became more composed. Sufficient, indeed, to wonder why she had behaved in so melodramatic a fashion. It was not her custom to so far break through the conventions of civilization. But the insults of Daisy had stirred in her that wild negro blood to which she had referred. That this girl who had all should grudge her the simple Christmas present made Anne furious. Yet in spite of her righteous anger she could not help feeling sorry for Daisy. And, after all, the girl's jealousy had some foundation in truth. Anne had given her no cause, but she could not deny that she loved Giles and that he loved her. To end an impossible situation there was nothing for it but flight.

Next day Anne quite determined to give Mrs. Morley notice, but when she found that Daisy said nothing about her visit, she decided to remain silent. Unless the girl made herself impossible, Anne did not see why she should turn out of a good situation where she was earning excellent wages. Daisy avoided her, and was coldly polite on such occasions as they had to speak. Seeing this, Anne forbore to force her company upon the unhappy girl and attended to her duties.

.....