Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/43

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32
CALL MR. FORTUNE

Italian mirror. "Probably gone to change his clothes," Reggie said. "He's only worn one suit to-day."

A footman brought in more tea-things, and a moment after the Archduke came back.

"I am all impatience, Mr. Lomas. But pray take a more comfortable chair. Dr. Fortune—I recommend the chair by the screen. Let me give you some tea." He was all smiles.

"Have you made arrangements to leave England, sir?" Lomas said sharply.

"Mr. Lomas!"

"You have time to catch the mail to-night."

"I hope that I do not understand you, sir. You appear insolent."

"Oh, sir, there will be no delicacy in handling the affair. You went to Dr. Fortune's room this morning." The Archduke gave a glance at Reggie, who sat intent on stirring his tea. "He was preparing an injection of strychnine for his patient."

"Hallo, what's that?" Reggie cried, and nodded at the window. "Oh, I suppose it's the car, Lomas, Your fellows will have found her and brought her round."

"The car, sir?" the Archduke said, and Lomas put up his eyeglass.

"The car that did the deed."

The Archduke slid across to the window. Lomas, too, stood up and looked out. They turned and