Lady Molly - The EndLady Molly had some business to arrange in connection with the purchase of an additional bit
of land to round off her little garden at Kirk.
Mr. Fuelling was courteous, but distinctly stiff, in his manner towards the lady who was
"connected with the police," more especially when--her business being transacted--she
seemed inclined to tarry in the busy solicitor's office, and to lead conversation round to the
subject of the murder of Mr. Steadman.
"Five years have gone by since then," said Mr. Fuelling curtly in response to a remark from
Lady Molly. "I prefer not to revive unpleasant memories."
"You, of course, believed Captain de Mazareen guilty?" retorted my dear lady imperturbably.
"There were circumstances----" rejoined the solicitor, "and--and, of course, I hardly knew the
unfortunate young man. Messrs. Truscott & Truscott used to be the family solicitors."
"Yes. It seemed curious that when Sir Jeremiah wished to make his will he sent for you,
rather than for his accustomed lawyer," mused Lady Molly.
"Sir Jeremiah did not send for me," replied Mr. Fuelling with some acerbity, "he sent for my
junior, Mr. Steadman."
"Perhaps Mr. Steadman was a great friend of his."
"Not at all. Not at all. Mr. Steadman was a new arrival in Carlisle, and had never seen Sir
Jeremiah before the day when he was sent for and, in a brief interview, drafted the will which,
alas! proved to be the primary cause of my unfortunate partner's death."
"You cannot draft a will in a brief interview, Mr. Fuelling," remarked Lady Molly lightly.
"Mr. Steadman did so," retorted Mr. Fuelling curtly. "Though Sir Jeremiah's mind was as clear
as a crystal, he was very feeble, and the interview had to take place in a darkened room.
That was the only time my young partner saw Sir Jeremiah. Twenty-four hours later they
were both dead."
"Oh!" commented my dear lady with sudden indifference. "Well, I won't detain you, Mr.
Fuelling. Good afternoon."
A few moments later, having parted from the worthy old solicitor, we were out in the street
once more.
"The darkened room is my first ray of light," quoth Lady Molly with a smile at her own
paradoxical remark.