Page:The Master of Mysteries (1912).djvu/512

 Mrs. Stellery endeavored to include both guests in the conversation but found it difficult. Astro, seeing that he was in the way, at least of the doctor, withdrew and went back to his studio.

On the way he stopped at a bookstore and bought a copy of The Guerdon. Dipping into it, walking down Fifth Avenue, he came across a sentence, reread it, shut the book with a snap, and walked home thinking. Arrived at the studio, he laid the book open at the page he had read, before Valeska.

"'She laid her soft gracile hands, palms down, on the table,'" she read aloud, and looked up. "Did you find 'jimp', too?"

"You'll have to read the book and see," was his answer. And then he described the interview. "If you find 'jimp' and 'nuance,'—for there are several 'nuances' in the letters,—I think it would be well for you to apply to Askerson for a position as secretary. Only on the chance, a slim enough one,—but all we have at present. But Stellery is right; the letters do sound literary, though Mrs. Stellery is wrong—they are by no means stupid. If I could only think of a motive for a man like Askerson doing such a sentimental thing!"

"He might want to see what she'd do, and use the episode in fiction."

"Yes, that's the trouble. Men have many motives, and often several at a time, really mixed. Women seldom act except with a single definite motive, no matter how they conceal it or even pretend to themselves that it's different. I wonder if the author could possibly be Doctor Primfield."

"Why Doctor Primfield more than another?"