'
Mr. Troy received the earliest intelligence of what was going on.
He wrote at once to communicate his news to Agnes; adding, what he
considered to be a valuable hint, in these words:
'You are intimately acquainted, I know, with Lady Barville, the late
Lord Montbarry's eldest sister. The solicitors employed by her
husband are also the solicitors to one of the two insurance offices.
There may possibly be something in the report of the commission
of inquiry touching on Ferrari's disappearance. Ordinary persons
would not be permitted, of course, to see such a document.
But a sister of the late lord is so near a relative as to be an exception
to general rules. If Sir Theodore Barville puts it on that footing,
the lawyers, even if they do not allow his wife to look at the report,
will at least answer any discreet questions she may ask referring
to it. Let me hear what you think of this suggestion, at your
earliest convenience.'
The reply was received by return of post. Agnes declined to avail
herself of Mr. Troy's proposal.
'My interference, innocent as it was,' she wrote, 'has already
been productive of such deplorable results, that I cannot
and dare not stir any further in the case of Ferrari.
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