"
"But certainly I do not mind," cried the Colonel. "I wish you to be
happy."
"Join you in a few minutes, Knox," said Harley as he went out with our
host.
"All right," I replied, "I should like to take a stroll around the
gardens. You will join me there later, no doubt."
As I walked out into the bright sunshine I wondered why Paul Harley had
wished to be left alone with Colonel Menendez, but knowing that I
should learn his motive later, I strolled on through the gardens, my
mind filled with speculations respecting these unusual people with whom
Fate had brought me in contact. I felt that Miss Beverley needed
protection of some kind, and I was conscious of a keen desire to afford
her that protection. In her glance I had read, or thought I had read,
an appeal for sympathy.
Not the least mystery of Cray's Folly was the presence of this girl.
Only toward the end of luncheon had I made up my mind upon a point
which had been puzzling me. Val Beverley's gaiety was a cloak. Once I
had detected her watching Madame de Staemer with a look strangely like
that of fear.
Puffing contentedly at my cigar I proceeded to make a tour of the
house.
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