“Remember your promise regarding Miss Lucie,” I urged.
“I’ll not forget, never fear,” was the detective’s answer, and he turned and rejoined the other at the end of the ward.
I had only admitted my suspicions in order to make friends with the officer, and in the hope of preventing him revealing the truth to poor Lucie.
About six o’clock that evening I opened my eyes and found my neat little friend, pale and tearful, standing by my bedside.
She tried to speak, but only burst into a flood of tears.
I took her hand and held it, while the nurse, realising the situation, placed a chair for her.
“You know the terrible blow that has fallen upon me!” she faltered, in a low voice. “My poor father!”
“They have told me,” I answered, in sympathy. “How can I sufficiently express my regret!”
She shook her head in sorrow, and her great dark eyes met mine.
“Blow after blow has fallen upon me,” she sighed. “This is the heaviest!”