“It strikes me,” replied Mr. Mainwaring with marked emphasis, “that there may be something rather ‘peculiar,’ as you call it, in that direction at present, and I believe Mr. Whitney is of the same opinion.”

“How is that?  You surely do not think it possible that in his mind she is in any way associated with this murder — if it is a murder?”

“He evidently suspects some one in this house, and for the present we can draw our own inferences.  Regarding those provisions in the will to which you just now alluded, I can assure you I was not too well pleased; but I knew it was useless to raise any objections or questions; to my mind, however, they furnish a clue as to the possible claimants against the estate, which we were discussing yesterday, and perhaps a clue to this latest development, also.”

“By my soul! it looks like it; but surely she could have no valid claim.”

“Valid or not,” replied Ralph Mainwaring, “there must have been a powerful claim of some kind.  When a man of Hugh Mainwaring’s type leaves a handsome annuity to his housekeeper, and an interest in his business worth fifty or seventy-five thousand to her son, it may be considered pretty strong evidence that — "

At a warning glance from Mr. Thornton, Ralph Mainwaring paused abruptly and, turning, saw Mrs. LaGrange coming noiselessly down the corridor.  She was dressed with even more than usual care, with quantities of rich lace fastened loosely about her shapely neck and falling in profusion over her beautifully moulded wrists and hands.  Her dark, handsome features bore no trace of recent prostration, but betrayed, instead, signs of intense excitement.  She bowed silently and passed onward, entering the library so quietly that the attorney, absorbed in thought, was unaware of her presence until she stood before him.  He started slightly, and for an instant neither spoke.  Each was silently gauging the power of the other.

For some time, Mrs. LaGrange had been conscious that Mr. Whitney was one of the few whose penetration could not be blinded by her blandishments.  In addition, the fact that he was the private solicitor and legal adviser of Hugh Mainwaring did not tend to inspire her with confidence regarding his attitude towards herself.  Nevertheless, he was an eminent attorney and this was a critical moment; if she could gain his favor and his services in her behalf, it would be a brilliant stroke of policy.  Her plans were well laid, and she was prepared to assume whatever role was necessary, so soon as his words or manner should give her the desired cue.

For this, she did not have long to wait; one searching glance, and she had read in the piercing scrutiny and cold scorn of his keen blue eye that, so far from winning favor from him, he would prove her most bitter opponent, and as quickly she determined upon her future course of action.