We have, besides, a photograph of the unfortunate
gentleman lying on his death-bed--this was well thought of: it is an
admirable likeness--the sun cannot lie--we have also a photograph of
the newly erected tombstone. Doubt? Dear me, Madam, they could no more
raise a doubt as to your husband's death than if he were buried in the
family vault. If anything should remove any ground for doubt, it is the
fact that the only person who benefits by his death is yourself. If, on
the other hand, he had been in the hands of persons who had reason to
wish for his death, there might have been suspicions of foul play,
which would have been matter for the police--but not for an insurance
company."
"Oh! I am glad to learn, at least, that there will be no trouble. I
have no knowledge of business, and I thought that--"
"No--no--your ladyship need have no such ideas. In fact, I have already
anticipated your arrival, and have sent to the manager of the company.
He certainly went so far as to express a doubt as to the cause of
death. Consumption in any form was not supposed to be in your husband's
family. But Lord Harry--ahem!--tried his constitution--tried his
constitition, as I put it.
Pages:
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521
522