CHAPTER XIX
WHERE MRS. HILLMER WENT
Sir Charles Dyke, in sending off the hurried announcement of his wife’s death, forgot the “society” papers.
Such a promising topic did not come in their way every week, and they made the most of it. Where did Lady Dyke die? Under what circumstances did she die? They rolled the morsel under their tongue in every conceivable manner.
Details were not forthcoming.
“Our representative called at Wensley House, Portman Square, but was informed that Sir Charles was in Yorkshire.” Inquiry by a local reporter from Sir Charles in person elicited no information. “Lady Dyke is dead,” wrote this enterprising journalist; “of that there can be no manner of doubt, but her husband states that for family reasons he is unable to supply the public with the precise facts concerning his wife’s demise.”
This ill-advised authentic statement only fanned the flame. An evening journal got hold of the proceedings at the Putney Coroner’s Court which inquired into the death of a woman found in the Thames, and, with a portentous display of headlines, published an interview with the doctor giving particulars of the iron spike found imbedded in the skull.
The paper was also able to state “on the best authority” that at this inquest Sir Charles Dyke and the missing lady’s personal maid were called in to identify the body, but failed.
A first-class sensation was in full swing and threatened to reach the question stage in the House of Commons when Bruce took hold of affairs.
He went to Sir Charles Dyke’s solicitors, and induced them to send out the following authoritative communication to the press: