"I quite believe it," said Branwin, grudgingly, for her beauty was undeniable and he wanted to possess it badly. "I shall take a few days to decide what is best to be done, as your revelation has taken me by surprise. I never cared much for Audrey, but I really believed that she was my own child. The scheming women!"--and he clenched his huge fist fiercely. "Tell me, Rosy, have you any idea who murdered my wife?"
Miss Pearl shook her head. "The voices stopped suddenly, and when I went down the stairs later with the idea of seeing Lady Branwin and telling her what I knew, I found her dead. I believe," added Miss Pearl, cautiously, "that Madame Coralie murdered your wife."
"I quite believe it. Just what that infernal Flora would do," said Sir Joseph, grimly. "If she did--but there, as Dora is dead I shall let the matter rest, although I should dearly like to bring Flora to the gallows. The re-opening of the case would do me no good."
"Nor me," said Rosy Pearl, decisively, "for I should have to confess to the police what I have confessed to you, and then I would be blamed for having kept it quiet so long. I only hope that Miss Perry Toat will leave the matter alone."
"Who is she?"
"A detective who is looking into the case on behalf of your--of Mrs. Shawe, and who called on me after she had heard that Mr. Shawe had seen me. I was forced to tell her all I knew, so she may--"
"She will," interrupted Sir Joseph, in an angry tone. "I daresay Audrey and her husband have gone to town about the business, and--"
"Hush!" Miss Pearl stopped him with a gesture. "Someone is coming. Do not speak of these very private matters so loudly."
Sir Joseph turned, and down the pier came a short, dark figure very rapidly, panting for breath. The figure was that of a woman, and advanced straight up to the millionaire. Branwin pushed the newcomer back, and was about to speak, when she flung aside her veil. The millionaire staggered against Miss Pearl, and turned quite green with terror.
"What is it? Oh! what is it?" cried the dancer, infected with his terror.