"Oh, isn't it lovely to see you, dear," Mrs. Dingle effusively cried, as she gave her a peck-like kiss upon the right cheek. "We have been talking so much about you lately. Sammie is fairly crazy to see you, and you must be prepared for a visit from him as soon as he learns you are in town. I am so thankful that I have such a dutiful son. He is quite a comfort to me, and I am sure any woman would be proud to have him for a husband. There are so many bad men these days that we appreciate a good one when we find him. We knew that you would come back to the city."
"What made you think that?" Lois enquired as Mrs. Dingle paused an instant for breath.
"To get away from that horrid country place, of course, where that terrible murder was committed. I hope they have that villain securely locked up."
"What villain?" Lois asked.
"Why the one who killed that poor old man for his money."
"No, he is not locked up yet."
"But I heard that he is. Surely he hasn't escaped!" and Mrs. Dingle held up her well-gloved hands.
"No, he isn't in prison yet," Lois calmly replied. "But there is an innocent man there, though, I am sorry to say."
"Do you mean that uncouth fellow Sammie was telling me about?"
"I am not referring to any uncouth fellow, Mrs. Dingle, but merely to
Mr. Jasper Randall, a gentleman and a friend of mine."