第456章 MR. LEPEL AND THE HOUSEKEEPER(70)

"Do you think her brother told her that I was referred to _him_, when I went to the chemists?""I have no means of knowing what her brother did.""Can you at least tell me when she received your letter?""She must have received it on the day when she left my house."The doctor rose with a grave face.

"These are rather extraordinary coincidences," he remarked.

I merely replied, "Mrs. Mozeen is as incapable of poisoning as Iam."

The doctor wished me good-morning.

I repeat here my conviction of my housekeeper's innocence. Iprotest against the cruelty which accuses her. And, whate ver may have been her motive in suddenly leaving my service, I declare that she still possesses my sympathy and esteem, and I invite her to return to me if she ever sees these lines.

I have only to add, by way of postscript, that we have heard of the safe return of the expedition of rescue. Time, as my wife and I both hope, may yet convince Rothsay that he will not be wrong in counting on Susan's love--the love of a sister.

In the meanwhile we possess a memorial of our absent friend. We have bought his picture.