Page:The Death-Doctor.djvu/244

232 The woman looked very straight at me, and her chest heaved just a little, causing her diamond pendant to glitter.

"Five hundred," she remarked. "Well, if you really must have it I will give you a cheque when the affair is complete."

"I merely suggest it," I said. "I think that the little matter is worth that to you—is it not?"

"You are equally implicated," she exclaimed.

"But without motive. You had a motive, remember."

"You are equally culpable with me."

"That, unfortunately, does not alter the circumstances that I am just a little pushed for money," I laughed. "We doctors have, alas! to live beyond our incomes all the time. I think you will quite understand that I'm really in need of another five hundred."

"And that is all, remember."

"The last penny I shall suggest."

"You will have the cheque on the day of the unfortunate event," she said, and we rose and passed into the big drawing-room where she seated herself at the grand piano, and played several airs from the latest musical comedy.

I wanted to get away from the place, for I