On the last page but one,
he found the last intelligible sentences.
'The Third Act seems to be divided,' he said, 'into two Parts
or Tableaux. I think I can read the writing at the beginning
of the Second Part. The Baron and the Countess open the scene.
The Baron's hands are mysteriously concealed by gloves.
He has reduced the body to ashes by his own system of cremation,
with the exception of the head--'
Henry interrupted his brother there. 'Don't read any more!'
he exclaimed.
'Let us do the Countess justice,' Lord Montbarry persisted.
'There are not half a dozen lines more that I can make out!
The accidental breaking of his jar of acid has burnt the Baron's
hands severely. He is still unable to proceed to the destruction
of the head--and the Countess is woman enough (with all her wickedness)
to shrink from attempting to take his place--when the first news
is received of the coming arrival of the commission of inquiry
despatched by the insurance offices. The Baron feels no alarm.
Inquire as the commission may, it is the natural death of the Courier
(in my Lord's character) that they are blindly investigating.
Pages:
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314