Page:Yellow Claw 1920.djvu/98

 tone, if “them boxes was ready to be took.” Helen Cumberly forestalled an insolent refusal which the cook, by furtive wink, counseled to the housemaid.

“Don’t trouble,” she said, with an easy dignity reminiscent of her father. “I will announce myself.”

She passed the servants, crossed the lobby, and rapped upon the study door.

“Come in,” said the voice of Henry Leroux.

Helen opened the door. The place was in semi-darkness, objects being but dimly discernible. Leroux sat in his usual seat at the writing-table. The room was in the utmost disorder, evidently having received no attention since its overhauling by the police. Helen pressed the switch, lighting the two lamps.

Leroux, at last, seemed in his proper element: he exhibited an unhealthy pallor, and it was obvious that no razor had touched his chin for at least three days. His dark blue eyes—the eyes of a dreamer—were heavy and dull, with shadows pooled below them. A biscuit-jar, a decanter and a syphon stood half buried in papers on the table.

“Why, Mr. Leroux!” said Helen, with a deep note of sympathy in her voice—“you don’t mean to say”…

Leroux rose, forcing a smile to his haggard face.

“You see—much too good,” he said. “Altogether—too good.”…

“I thought I should find you here,” continued the