Anne Hereford: A Novel

by Mrs. Henry Wood

"We have hitherto placed great trust in our servants," he observed, presently. "But the disappearance of these things is unaccountable."

"There does seem some mystery about it," returned the policeman. "You say, sir, that you are sure of the housekeeper."

"As sure as I am of myself."

"Shall we search the rooms in the front, above here, sir? Thieves have a trick of hiding things, you know."

"No," decisively replied Mr. Chandos. "My mother might hear you; I could not risk the annoyance to her in her sick state. Besides, the rooms have been fully searched by the housekeeper."

"Would you like a watch placed in the house, sir, unknown to the servants?"

"No, no," said Mr. Chandos. "It——"

The appearance of Mrs. Penn caused the pause. She came in, after knocking quietly at the door. Mr. Chandos rose; the officer rose.

"I beg your pardon for my interruption, Mr. Chandos. Will it not be better that the police"—slightly bowing to the one present—"should come up now? Mrs. Chandos has gone into my lady's rooms: if they can come up at once, she will be spared the sight."

"Come up for what?" asked Mr. Chandos.