Chapter X
Reading edition
SO DO I
A few days after the events last narrated, Transome Kent called at the boarding-house of Miss Alice Delary. The young Investigator wore a light grey tweed suit, with a salmon-coloured geranium in his buttonhole. There was something exultant yet at the same time grave in his expression, as of one who has taken a momentous decision, affecting his future life.
"I wonder," he murmured, "whether I am acting for my happiness."
He sat down for a moment on the stone steps and analysed himself.
Then he rose.
"I am," he said, and rang the bell.
"Miss Delary?" said a maid, "she left here two days ago. If you are Mr. Kent, the note on the mantelpiece is for you."
Without a word (Kent never wasted them) the Investigator opened the note and read:
"Dear Mr. Kent, "Peter and I were married yesterday morning, and have taken an apartment in Java, New Jersey. You will be glad to hear that Peter's cough is ever so much better. The lawyers have given Peter his money without the least demur.
"We both feel that your analysis was simply wonderful. Peter says he doesn't know where he would be without it.
"Very sincerely,
"Alice Kelly.
"P.S.—I forgot to mention to you that I saw Peter in the billiard-room. But your analysis was marvellous just the same."
* * * * *
That evening Kent sat with Throgton talking over the details of the tragedy.
"Throgton," he said, "it has occurred to me that there were points about that solution that we didn't get exactly straight somehow."
"So do I," said Throgton.