"You will also remember," she added, "how you chided me a little later
for going out without consulting you. I had been out to seek a detective
to tell him what I had discovered."
"Ha! that was how you made Mr. Rider's acquaintance?" interrupted Mrs.
Montague, with a start.
"Yes. He told me he was in St. Louis on business connected with that very
case. He was very much elated after hearing my story, but when he went to
make his arrest he found that Mrs. Walton and her so-called son had both
disappeared. I was, of course, very much disappointed, but I never
dreamed--"
"That I and my hopeful nephew were the accomplished sharpers,"
supplemented Mrs. Montague, with a bitter laugh. "Well, Mona Dinsmore,
you have been very keen. I will give you credit for that--you have beaten
me; I confess that you have utterly defeated me, and your mother is amply
avenged through you. No doubt, you are very triumphant over my downfall,"
she concluded, acrimoniously.
"Indeed, I am not," Mona returned, with a sigh. "I do not think I could
triumph in the downfall of any one, and though I am filled with horror
over what you have told me, I am very sorry for you."
"Sorry for me!" repeated the woman, with skeptical contempt.
Pages:
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295