Hulbert Footner

“ My mistress was a good woman!”
“I am sure of it,” said Mme. Storey gravely. “But I can also understand how a woman married to a man like Whittall might conceive an honorable love for another man and still remain true to her marriage vows.”
The girl broke into a helpless weeping. Still she stubbornly held her tongue. At length Mme. Storey said:
“Mary, your mistress was foully murdered. Don't you want to see justice done?”
“Yes! Yes!” she sobbed. “But I don't see how he could have done it. I don't know what to think! I don't see any use in raking up a scandal.” ”

“ The girl looked at her greatly startled.
“Oh, you have nothing to fear,” Mme. Storey went on. “I merely wished to satisfy myself that you were an honest and a faithful girl. I am satisfied of it. I mean to be frank with you. Mr. Whittall has engaged himself to marry a friend of mine, a beautiful young girl. I think that is a great shame.”
“Oh yes, madame!” she said earnestly. “He—he is not a good man!”
“So I think myself,” said Mme. Storey dryly. “I want you to tell me all the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Whittall's death.” ”

“ Through my association with Mme. Storey I have learned to read character to some degree, and I said to myself that the lady who secured this girl would' be lucky. Good servants are rare. This one's manner was respectful without being obsequious. She had a clear and open glance.
I took her into my mistress, who, with a nod, bade me remain in the room. She told the girl to be seated, and there was some preliminary talk about references and so forth, while Mme. Storey studied her without appearing to.
“What was your last place?” she asked.
“With Mrs. Darius Whittall, Madame.” ”