Edgar Wallace

“ Then the girl screamed and flew toward her, and at her approach the woman halted and shrank back.
“Mother—mother, don't you know me?” sobbed Stephanie, and caught the faded creature in her arms.
A waiter staggering under a laden tray came down a narrow path that led from the kitchen through the rosary into the lawn. He was surprised to see a tall man sitting on one of the garden seats that abound in these shady walks—more surprised when the stranger beckoned to him. ”

“ Smith, “that it seems to me rather likely that friend Cæsar is removing the just and the unjust at one fell swoop; and, speaking for myself, I should prefer to live a little while longer.” He smelled the coffee, then beckoned the waiter who was visible at the far end of the lawn. ”

“ Stephanie drew the woman's head down upon her shoulder and comforted her.
“Let us hear the story, my dear,” said Ross gently. “I am sure Mr. Smith will not mind staying. Stephanie, my child, pour out the coffee, and a cup for Mr. Smith.”
“It was a week ago, I think,” said the woman more calmly. “Cæsar came to the house and told me he was taking me back to England to my father, and, of course, I was glad. It has been very—very dull at the château, you know. And everything has been so mysterious, and sometimes Cæsar has been quite cruel. They were afraid of my running away ”