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'And who is really and truly the most beautiful girl in Beorminster? she asked abruptly. 'Mab Arden, replied Mrs Pansey, promptly. 'There, now, with an emphatic blow of her fan, 'she is pretty, if you like, though I daresay there is more art than nature about her. 'Who is Mab Arden, dear Mrs Pansey? 'She is Miss Whichello's niece, that's who she is. 'Whichello?
George could not see her face in the dusk, and moreover was too much taken up with his late charming interview to notice his companion's preoccupation. In spite of her sympathy, Miss Whichello grew weary of a monologue on the part of George, in which the name of 'Mab' occurred fifty times and more.
'It's a pity they didn't, then, retorted the undaunted Miss Whichello; 'it would have been the better for you, and for Beorminster also. 'Would it indeed, ma'am? gasped her adversary, beginning to feel nervous; 'oh, really! with a hysterical titter, 'you and your certificate I don't believe you have it. 'Ask the bishop if I have not.
But Miss Whichello seemed so anxious that I should hold my tongue about the visit and the burial that I can't make out why she talked about them to you or to anybody. 'I cannot myself fathom her reason for such unnecessary secrecy, Mr Inspector; unless it is that she wishes the murderer to be discovered.
'Let us trust that Miss Whichello dare tell us. 'Dare, sir! cried Captain Pendle, gnawing his moustache. 'I used the word advisedly, George. If what Mrs Pansey asserts is true, Miss Whichello will feel a natural reluctance to confess the truth about Miss Arden's father.
'But, continued the bishop, with emphasis, 'I have heard rumours about her parentage which do not satisfy me. Whether these are true or not is best known to yourself, Miss Whichello; but before consenting to the engagement you speak of, I should like to be fully informed on the point. 'To what rumours does your lordship refer? asked Miss Whichello, very pale-faced, but very quiet.
We shall be married in spring. Miss Whichello will be the bridesmaid, and all will be hay and sunshine. 'What nonsense you talk, George! 'I'd do more than talk nonsense if the eyes of Europe were not on us. Mother Jael is telling fortunes in that tent, my fairy queen, so let us go in and question her about the future.
'Thank God the bishop is reasonable, cried Miss Whichello, when George explained the new position. 'I knew that Mab would gain his heart in the end. 'She gained mine in the beginning, said Captain George, fondly, 'and that, after all, is the principal thing. 'What! your own heart, egotist! Does mine then count for nothing?
'Well, Miss Whichello, ma'am, said the stern Tinkler, after some deliberation, 'your request is out of the usual course of things; but knowing you as a good and charitable lady, and thinking you may throw some light on this mysterious crime why, I'll show you the corpse with pleasure. 'One moment, said the old lady, laying a detaining hand on the inspector's blue cloth sleeve.
That, Mr Cargrim, was the sole reason for my visit; and as it concerned myself alone, I wore a veil so as not to provoke remark. It seems that I was wrong, since Mrs Pansey has been discussing me. However, I hope you will set her mind at rest by telling her what I have told you. 'Really, my dear Miss Whichello, you are very severe; I assure you all this explanation is needless.
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