text stringlengths 2.05k 1.01M | title stringlengths 2 620 | author stringlengths 0 92 | author year of birth stringclasses 367
values | author year of death stringclasses 390
values | language stringclasses 16
values | downloads stringclasses 887
values | subjects stringlengths 7 775 | document id stringlengths 3 7 | type stringclasses 1
value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
_Enter Emperor, attended by his several officers_.
EMPEROR. This day we take leave of the princess at Pahling
bridge! [_To his ministers_.] Can ye not devise a way to send out
these foreign troops, without yielding up the princess for the sake
of peace? [_Descends from his horse and seems to grieve with
... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
K'HAN. The Emperor of Han having now, in observance of
old treaties, yielded up to me the Lady Chaoukeun in marriage, I
take her as my rightful queen. The two nations shall enjoy the
benefits of peace. [_To his generals_] Leaders, transmit my
commands to the army to strike our encampment, and proceed ... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
[Footnote 1: It may be observed that the great wall is never once
expressly mentioned through this drama. The expression used is PŽensih,
the border, or frontier. The wall had existed two hundred years at this
time, but the real frontier was beyond it.]
[Footnote 2: Or Saghalien, which falls into the sea of Ochotsk.]
... | Chinese literature : $b Comprising the Analects of Confucius, the Sayings of Mencius, the Shi-King, the Travels of Fâ-Hien, and the Sorrows of Han | Confucius | -551 | -479 | ['en'] | 116 | {'China -- Literary collections', 'Chinese literature', 'Chinese literature -- Translations into English'} | PG10056 | |
Proofreaders.
THE SECRET OF THE TOWER
BY ANTHONY HOPE
1919
AUTHOR OF "THE PRISONER OF ZENDA," "RUPERT OF HENTZAU," ETC.
CONTENTS
I. DOCTOR MARY'S PAYING GUEST
II. THE GENERAL REMEMBERS
III. MR. SAFFRON AT HOME
... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"What happened then?"
"The great thing was to keep it quiet. Now, wasn't it? And there was the
shell-shock--or so Eustace--Captain Cranster, I mean--said, anyhow. So,
on the Colonel's advice, Mamma squared the check business and--and they
gave him twenty-four hours to clear out. Papa--I call the Colonel Papa,
you know... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Cynthia, on the other hand, began to sob prettily and not in a noisy
fashion, yet evidently heading towards a bout of grief. Moreover, no
sooner had the first sound of lamentation escaped from her lips, than the
door was opened smartly and a buxom girl, in lady's maid uniform, rushed
in, darted across the room, and kn... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
For all that Jeanne's cheek bulged with a chocolate, there was open
resentment on her full, pouting lips, and a hint of the same feeling in
Cynthia's still liquid eyes, when mistress and maid came downstairs
again. Without heeding these signs, Mary drew on her gauntlets, took her
walking-stick, and flung the hall door... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
The wind blew shrewdly, with an occasional spatter of rain; the withered
bracken lay like a vast carpet of dull copper-color under the cloudy sky;
scattered fir-trees made fantastic shapes in the early gloom of a
December day. A somber scene, yet wanting only sunshine to make it flash
in a richness of color; even to-d... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Tower Cottage, that's called."
"But what a funny place!" Cynthia insisted. "A round tower, like a
Martello tower, only smaller, of course; and what looks just like an
ordinary cottage or small farm-house joined on to it. What could the
tower have been for?"
"I'm sure I don't know. Origin lost in the mists of antiquit... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"I did hear; somebody mentioned him at the Naylors'--somebody who had
heard something about him in France. What was the name? It was something
queer too, I think."
"They've got queer names, and they live in a queer house!" Cynthia
actually gave a little laugh. "But are you going to walk all night,
Mary dear?"
"Oh, poo... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Full of ramifications, that event, Miss Wall. It affects even my
business." Mr. Naylor, though now withdrawn from an active share in its
conduct, was still interested in the large shipping firm from which he
had drawn his comfortable fortune.
She looked at him suspiciously, as he put the ends of the slender white
fin... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"I've asked Dr. Arkroyd to bring her over, Miss Walford, I mean, the
first day it's fine enough for tennis," Mrs. Naylor pursued. There was a
hard court at Old Place, so that winter did not stop the game entirely.
"What a name, too!"
"Walford? It's quite a good name, Delia."
"No, no, Anna! Beaumaroy, of course." Miss ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Yet, after all this description, in particularity if not otherwise worthy
of a classic novelist, the thing yet remains that most struck observers.
Mr. Hector Beaumaroy had an adorable candor of manner. He answered
questions with innocent readiness and pellucid sincerity. It would be
impossible to think him guilty of a... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Irechester's a sound man, a very sound man," said Mr. Naylor. "And,
after all one can ask almost any question if one does it tactfully, can't
one, Miss Wall?"
"As a matter of fact, he's only seen Mr. Saffron twice--he had a little
chill. But his manner, unfortunately, rather, er--alarmed--"
Gertie Naylor, with the di... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Beaumaroy bowed as he thanked her, adding, "And I'm promised a chance of
meeting Dr. Arkroyd before long?"
The promise was renewed and the visitor took his leave, declining Alec's
offer to "run him home" in the car. "The car might startle my old
friend," he pleaded. Alec saw him off, and returned to find the General,
... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Of course he ought to have got rid of him," said Alec. "Still, sir,
there's nothing, er, disgraceful."
"It seems hardly to have come to that," the General admitted reluctantly.
"It all rather makes me like him," Gertie affirmed courageously.
"I think that, on the whole, we may venture to know him in times of
peace," ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"An hour or more, has he? Have you heard anything?"
"He was making a speech a little while back, that's all."
"No more complaints and palpitations, or anything of that sort?"
"Not as I've heard. But he never says much to me. Mrs. Wiles gets the
benefit of his symptoms mostly."
"You're not sympathetic, perhaps."
During... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Of course! What they call the educational ladder! That explains it. By
the way, I'm thinking of changing our doctor."
"Good job, too. I 'ate that Irechester. Stares at you, that chap does."
"Does he stare at your eyes?'" asked Beaumaroy thoughtfully.
"I don't know that he does at my eyes particularly. Nothing wrong w... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"A tiring day, my dear Hector, very tiring. I've transacted a lot of
business. But never mind that, it will keep. What of your doings?"
Having sat the old man in the big chair by the fire, Beaumaroy sauntered
across to the door of the Tower, locked it, and put the key in his
pocket. Then he returned to the fire and, s... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"I'm sure of it, up to the present. Of course there might be an accident,
but with him and Mrs. Wiles both off the premises at night, it's hardly
likely; and I never let the bag out of my sight while it's in the room
with them, hardly out of my hand."
"I should like to trust him, but it's hardly fair to put such a str... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Mr. Saffron rose. "I'll go and wash my hands. We'll dine just as we are,
Hector." Beaumaroy opened the door for him; he acknowledged the attention
with a little nod, and passed out to the staircase in the narrow passage.
Beaumaroy appeared to consider himself absolved from any preparation, for
he returned to the big c... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Beaumaroy sprang to his feet with a muttered exclamation: "It's all my
fault, sir. I forgot to give it to Hooper. I always lock it up when I go
out." He went to a little oak sideboard and unlocked a drawer, then came
back to Mr. Saffron's side. "Here it is, and I humbly apologize."
"Very good! very good!" said the old... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
But his wife laughed at Mary, or at that development of the feminist
movement which had produced her and so many other more startling
phenomena. The Doctor was fond of his wife, a sprightly, would-be
fashionable, still very pretty woman. But her laughter, and the opinion
it represented, were to him the merest cracklin... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Punnit's general view is sound enough, I think, as to the man's
characteristics; but he doesn't appreciate his cunning."
"Cunning?" Naylor was openly astonished. "He doesn't strike me as a
cunning man, not in the least."
"Possibly, possibly, I say--not in his ends, but in his means and
expedients. That's my view. I j... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"I suppose there's a lot in all that, sir," said Alec Naylor, "but I
don't think the effect on one's character is always what you say. I think
I've come out of this awful business a good deal softer than I went in."
He laughed in an apologetic way. "More, more sentimental, if you like,
with more feeling, don't you kno... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"A searching question!" mused old Naylor. "What say you, Tom Punnit?"
"It never occurred to me to put the question," the General answered
brusquely.
"May I ask why not, sir?" said Beaumaroy respectfully.
"Because I believed in God. I knew that we were right, and I knew that we
should win."
"Are we in theology now, or ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
And yet, for her mind traveled back to her earlier talk by the tennis
court, Beaumaroy had a conscience, had feelings. He was fond of old Mr.
Saffron; he felt a responsibility for him, felt it, indeed, keenly. Or
was he, under all that seeming openness, a consummate hypocrite? Did he
value Mr. Saffron only as a milk c... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Yours very faithfully,
HECTOR BEAUMAROY.
"How very awkward!" exclaimed Mary. She had prided herself on a
rigorous abstention from "poaching"; she fancied that men were very
ready to accuse women of not "playing the game" and had been resolved
to give no color to such an accusation. "Mr. Saffron has sent for
me--profes... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
CHAPTER V
A FAMILIAR IMPLEMENT
As Mary brought her car to a stand at the gate of the little front garden
of Tower Cottage, she saw, through the mist, Beaumaroy's corrugated face;
he was standing in the doorway, and the light in the passage revealed it.
It seemed to her to wear a triumphant impish look, but this vani... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Yes; but he said there was no particular--no immediate danger."
"If he's kept quiet and free from worry. Didn't he advise that?"
"Yes," Beaumaroy admitted, "he did. That's the only thing you find wrong
with him, Doctor?"
Beaumaroy was standing on the far side of the table, his finger-tips
resting lightly on it. He lo... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"I've every inclination to be your friend, but I hardly know you, Mr.
Beaumaroy."
"And feel a few doubts about me? From what you've heard from myself, and
perhaps from others?"
The wind swished outside; save for that, the little room seemed very
still. The professional character of the interview did not save it, for
M... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Mary sat silent for a moment or two. Beaumaroy knelt down by the fire,
rearranged the logs of wood which were smouldering there, and put on a
couple more. From that position, looking into the grate, he added,
"And the change of doctors? It was he, of course, who insisted on it,
but I can see a clever lawyer using that... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"There can be undue influence without actual want of mental
competence, I think."
"I don't know whether my influence is undue. I believe I'm the only
creature alive who cares twopence for the poor old gentleman."
"I know! I know! Mr. Beaumaroy, your position is very difficult. I see
that. It really is. But, would you ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
It was impudent, yet gay, dexterous, and elusive enough to avoid reproof.
With no more than a little shake of her head and a light yet embarrassed
laugh, Mary moved toward the door, her way lying between the table and an
old oak sideboard, which stood against the wall. Some plates, knives, and
other articles of the ta... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
A constraint had fallen on Mary. She allowed herself to be escorted to
the car and helped into it in silence. Beaumaroy made no effort to force
the talk, possibly by reason of the presence of Sergeant Hooper, who had
arrived back from the chemist's with the medicine for Mr. Saffron just as
Mary and Beaumaroy came out ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
CHAPTER VI
ODD STORY OF CAPTAIN DUGGLE
Christmas Day of 1918 was a merry feast, and nowhere merrier than at Old
Place. There was a house-party and, for dinner on the day itself, a local
contingent as well: Miss Wall, the Irechesters, Mr. Penrose, and Doctor
Mary. Mr. Beaumaroy also had been invited by Mrs. Naylor; s... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Fastidious old Naylor regarded his wife with the affection of habit and
with a little disdain for the ordinariness of her virtues--not to say of
the mind which they adorned. His daughter was to him a precious toy, on
which he tried jokes, played tricks, and lavished gifts, for the joy of
seeing the prettiness of her r... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Of Cynthia's woeful experience Alec had spoken to his father once
only: "It makes me mad to think the fellow who did that wore a
British uniform!"
How unreasonable! Since by all the laws of average, when millions of men
are wearing a uniform, there must be some rogues in it. But it was Alec's
way to hold himself respo... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
But professionally (the distinction must not be pushed too far, she was
not built in watertight compartments) Tower Cottage remained obstinately
in the center of her thoughts; and, connected with it, there arose a
puzzle over Dr. Irechester's demeanor. She had taken advantage of
Beaumaroy's permission, though rather d... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
A seafaring man had suddenly appeared, out of space, as it were, at
Inkston, and taken the cottage. He carried with him a strong smell of rum
and tobacco, and gave it to be understood that his name was Captain
Duggle. He was no beauty, and his behavior was worse than his looks. To
that quiet village, in those quiet st... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Mr. Penrose paused, sipped port wine, and resumed.
"And so, no doubt, he did, building the Tower for that purpose. By bribes
and threats he got two men to work for him. One was the uncle of my
informant. But though he built that Tower, and inside it dug his grave,
he never lay there, being, as things turned out, carri... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Why in the world wasn't it filled up before?" asked Alec Naylor with a
laugh. "People lived in the cottage, didn't they?"
"I've visited the cottage often," Irechester interposed, "when various
people had it, but I never saw any signs of the Tower being used."
"It never was, I'm sure; and as for the grave, well, Alec,... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"You got my letter, Dr. Irechester? I--I rather expected an answer."
"Your conduct was so obviously and punctiliously correct," he replied
suavely, "that I thought my answer could wait till I met you here to-day,
as I knew that I was to have the pleasure of doing." He looked her full
in the eyes. "You were placed, my ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
But the Sergeant, although slow-witted as well as ugly, had had his
experiences; he had carried weights both in the army and in other
institutions which are officially described as His Majesty's, and had
seen other men carry them too. From the set of Beaumaroy's figure as he
arrived home on at least two occasions with... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
The Sergeant eyed him with apparent disfavor--as, indeed, he did
everybody who approached him--but a nod of his head accorded the desired
permission. Smithers came across with a bottle of brandy and glasses.
"Good stuff!" said the stranger, as he sat down, filled the glasses, and
drank his off. "The best thing to top ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Who in hell are you?" the Sergeant grunted huskily.
"Names later--after the usual guarantees of good faith."
The whole conversation, carried on in low tones, had passed under cover
of noisy mirth, snatches of song, banter, and gigglings; nobody paid heed
to the two men talking in a corner. Yet the stranger lowered hi... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
The Sergeant smiled. "Oh, if you're walking to Sprotsfield, I'll put you
on your way. If anybody was to see us, Boomery, for instance, he couldn't
complain of my seeing an old pal on his way on Christmas night. No 'arm
in that; no look of prowling, or spying, or such like! And you are an old
pal, ain't you?"
"Certainl... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"There you are!" The Sergeant's voice instinctively kept to a whisper.
"That's what you want to see."
"But I can't see it--not so as to get any clear idea."
No lights showed from the cottage, nor, of course, from the Tower; its
only window had been, as Mr. Penrose said, boarded up. The wind--there
was generally a wind... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
After a couple of minutes, a tall figure emerged from the shelter of a
high and thick gorse bush just opposite Tower Cottage, on the other side
of the road. Captain Alec Naylor had seen the light of the stranger's
torch, and, after four years in France, he was well skilled in the art of
noiseless approach. But he felt... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Having reached this sensible conclusion, he was about to turn away from
the garden gate which he now stood facing, when he heard the house door
softly open and as softly shut. The practice of his profession had given
him keen eyes in the dark; he discovered Beaumaroy's tall figure stealing
very cautiously down the nar... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
The surprise--it might almost have been taken for alarm--which he had
shown at the first sight of Alec seemed to have given place to a gentle
and amiable weariness, which persisted through the recital of the
Captain's experiences--how his errand of courtesy, or gallantry, had led
to his being on the road across the he... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Rotten! But, er, don't raise your voice." He pointed to the ceiling,
smiling, and went on without further comment on Cynthia's ill-usage. "I
suppose you intend to stick to the army, Naylor?"
"Yes, certainly I do."
"I'm discharged. After I came out of hospital they gave me sick leave,
and constantly renewed it; and wh... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Beggars mustn't be choosers. Besides, I've a _penchant_ for failures."
That was what General Punnit had said! Alec Naylor grew impatient.
"That's the very spirit we have to fight against!" he exclaimed,
rather hotly.
"Forgive me, but, please, don't raise your voice."
Alec lowered his voice, for a moment anyhow, but t... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Good God, Beaumaroy, are you keeping a lunatic in this house?" He might
raise his voice as loud as he pleased now, it was drowned by that other.
"I'm not keeping him, he's keeping me. And, anyhow, his medical adviser
tells me there is no reason to suppose that my old friend is not
_compos mentis_."
"Irechester says t... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"I'm afraid we're keeping it up rather late, sir," said the latter in a
tone of respectful yet easy apology, "but I took an airing in the road
after you went to bed, and there I found my friend here on his way home;
and since it was Christmas--"
Mr. Saffron bowed his head in acquiescence; he showed no sign of anger.
"... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Alec Naylor was embarrassed; he sat in silence. But Beaumaroy seemed
quite at his ease. He began with a statement which was, in its literal
form, no falsehood; but that was about all that could be said for it on
the score of veracity. "Before you came in, sir, we were just speaking of
uniforms. Do you remember seeing ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Do you mean to tell me that he was reciting poetry when--"
"Well, it couldn't have sounded worse if he had been, could it?"
Now he was openly laughing at the Captain's angry bewilderment. He knew
that Alec Naylor did not believe a word of what he was saying or
suggesting; but yet Alec could not pass his guard, nor wi... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Cynthia did more than elicit and reinforce Captain Alec's opinion; she
also disseminated it--at Old Place, at the Irechesters', at Doctor
Mary's, through all the little circle in which she was now a constant and
a favorite figure. In the light of her experience of men, so limited and
so sharply contrasted, she made a ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
She met him one day at Old Place about a week after Christmas. The
Captain was not there; he was at her own house, with Cynthia. With the
rest of the family Beaumaroy was at his best; gaily respectful to Mrs.
Naylor, merry with Gertie, exchanging cut and thrust with old Mr.
Naylor, easy and cordial towards herself. Ce... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Her eyes grew suddenly alert. "He's never talked to me on that subject."
"Perhaps he doesn't think it's one of yours. Perhaps your studies haven't
lain that way? After all, no medical man can study everything!"
"Don't be naughty, Mr. Naylor" said Doctor Mary.
"He tells me that, in cases where the condition--the condit... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"If you're going home, Mr. Beaumaroy, shall we walk together? It's time I
was off, too."
Beaumaroy looked a little surprised, but undoubtedly pleased. "Well, now,
what a delightful way of prolonging a delightful visit. I'm truly
grateful, Dr. Arkroyd."
"Oh, you needn't be!" said Mary with a little toss of her head.
Na... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Of what?" he asked in a tone of surprise.
"You know that. Let us suppose his idea was all nonsense; yet your
immediate object was to put it out of his head." She suddenly added, "I
think your last question was a diplomatic blunder, Mr. Beaumaroy. You
must have known what I meant. What was the good of pretending not t... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
It was a direct challenge; she charged him with a lie. Beaumaroy's face
assumed a really troubled expression, a thing rare for it to do. Yet it
was not an ashamed or abashed expression; it just seemed to recognize
that a troublesome difficulty had arisen. He set a slower pace and
prodded the road with his stick. Mary ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Mary scornfully cut short his embarrassed pleadings. "There's a good deal
more than rules and etiquette involved. It seems to me that it's a matter
of common honesty rather than of rules and etiquette--"
"Yes, but you don't understand--"
She cut him short again. "Mr. Beaumaroy, after this, after your
suggestion and al... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Yes, yes, you can start tomorrow for Morocco, my dear boy!" cried old
Mr. Saffron.
Beaumaroy lifted his hat to her, cried, "I'm coming, sir!" turned on his
heel, and strode quickly up to Mr. Saffron. She watched him open the gate
and take the old gentleman by the arm; she heard the murmur of his voice
speaking soft a... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
She was very tired; her feelings were wounded, her nerves on edge; she
could not even attempt any cool train of reasoning. The outcome of her
talk with Beaumaroy filled her mind rather than the matter of it; and,
more even than that, the figure of the man seemed to be with her, almost
to stand before her, with his que... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Yes, against all the scoundrels in the world, whether they're called
Cranster or Beaumaroy!" he said.
Mary's eyes opened. She sat up. "Cranster and Beaumaroy?" They were the
words which her ears had caught. "What in the world has Mr. Beaumaroy to
do with--" But she broke off, as she saw the couple by the fire. "But
w... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Let's go, Alec," said Cynthia, not unkindly, yet just a little
pettishly. The great moment of her life--surely as great a moment as
there had ever been in anybody's life--had hardly earned adequate
recognition from Mary. As usual, her feelings and Alec's were at one.
Before they passed to other and more important mat... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
For it was over that implement that Beaumaroy had tripped up. It ought to
have been hidden before she was admitted to the cottage. Somebody had
been careless, somebody had blundered--whether Beaumaroy himself or his
servant was immaterial. Beaumaroy had lied, readily and ingeniously, but
not quite readily enough. The ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Well, never mind Mr. Beaumaroy! The case as to Mr. Saffron stood pretty
plain. It was queer and pitiful, but by no means unprecedented. She might
be not much of an alienist, as Dr. Irechester had been kind enough to
suggest to Mr. Naylor, but she had seen such cases herself--even
stranger ones, where even higher Power... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"You have no right to come here, Mr. Beaumaroy, after what passed
between us this afternoon."
"Besides being, as you saw yourself, very excited, my poor old friend
isn't at all well tonight."
"I'm very sorry; but I'm no longer Mr. Saffron's medical attendant. If I
declined to be this afternoon, I decline ten times mor... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Your affairs and--er--position matter to me only so far as they bear on
Mr. Saffron."
"So be it. Only come quickly; and bring some of your things that may help
a man with a bad heart."
Mary left him, went to her surgery, and was quickly back with her bag.
"I'll get out the car."
"It'll take a little longer, I know, b... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Beaumaroy was down again in a minute.
"It is as I feared," he said quietly. "He has got up again, and gone into
the Tower. Shall I try and get him out, or will you--"
"I will go in with you, of course, Mr. Beaumaroy."
His old mirthful, yet rueful, smile came on his lips--just for a moment.
Then he was grave and formal... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
The Sergeant demurred still, by no means for the sake of saving
Beaumaroy's skin, but still purely for the reason already given; yet he
admitted that he could not name any date on which he could guarantee
Beaumaroy's absence from Tower Cottage. "He never leaves the old blighter
alone later than eleven o'clock or so, a... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"What if we're seen from the road?" urged the pessimistic Sergeant.
"There's never a job about which you can't put those questions. What if
Ludendorff had known just what Foch was going to do, Sergeant? At any
rate anybody who sees us is two miles either way from a police
station--and may be a lot farther if he tries ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Thus the date of the attack was settled and, if only it had been adhered
to, things might have fallen out differently between Doctor Mary and Mr.
Beaumaroy. Events would probably have relieved Mary from the necessity of
presenting her ultimatum, and she might never have heard that
illuminating word "Morocco." But big ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
After a jovial dinner--rather too jovial in Mr. Bennett's opinion, but
that was Neddy's only fault, he would mix pleasure with business--the two
set out in an Overland car. Mr. Bennett--whom, by the way, his big friend
Neddy called "Mike," and not "Percy," as might have been
expected--assumed his sandy wig and red mus... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Sounds all right," said Neddy placidly, and with a yawn. "Have a drop?"
"No, I won't--and I wish you wouldn't, Neddy. It makes you bad-tempered,
and a man doesn't want to be bad-tempered on these jobs."
"Take the wheel a second while I have a drop," said Neddy, just for all
the world as if his friend had not spoken. ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Neddy got out of the car, but he did not forget his faithful flask. He
offered it to the Sergeant in token of approval. "Good place, Sergeant,"
he said; "does credit to you, as a beginner. Here, mate, hold on, though.
It's evident you ain't accustomed to liquor glasses!"
"When I sits up so late, I gets a kind of a sin... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Such was Doctor Mary's first impression of the scene; but the next moment
she took in another feature of it, not less remarkable. To the left of
the throne, to her right as she stood in the doorway facing it, there was
a fireplace; an empty grate, though the night was cold. Immediately in
front of it was, unmistakably... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
At last Mr. Saffron opened his eyes, and saw them; there was intelligence
in his look, though his body did not move. Mary was conscious of a low
bow from Beaumaroy; she remembered the caution he had given her, and
herself made a deep curtsey; the old man made a slight inclination of his
handsome white head. Then, afte... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Then he fell--tumbled back in utter collapse into the recesses of the
great chair. His scepter fell from his nerveless hand and rolled down the
steps of the dais; the impetus it gathered carried it, rolling still,
across the floor to the edge of the open pit; for an instant it lay
poised on the edge, and then fell wit... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"I think it's all over," he said, and Mary saw tears in his eyes.
Then Mary herself collapsed; she sank down on the dais and broke into
weeping. It had all been so pitiful, and somehow so terrible. Her quick
tumultuous sobbing sounded through the place which the vibrations of the
old man's voice had lately filled.
She... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
When he came to Tower Cottage--it was in the first year of the war--he
was precariously sane; it was only gradually that his fundamental and
constitutional vices and foibles turned to a morbid growth. First came
intensified hatred and suspicion of the Radbolts--they were after him and
his money! Then, through hidden p... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
So he came to his death, directly indeed of a long-standing organic
disease, yet veritably self-destroyed. And so he sat now, dead amidst his
shabby parody of splendor. He had done with thrones; he had even done
with Tower Cottage--unless indeed his pale shade were to hold nocturnal
converse with the robust and flambo... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Mary was in Mr. Saffron's armchair. Beaumaroy stood before the fire. She
looked up at him.
"They seem to have more right than anybody else. And you know--you
knew--that he was mad."
"His being mad gives them no right! Oh, well, it's no use arguing. In the
end I suppose they had rights--of a kind; a right by law, I
sup... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"But he was mad," objected Doctor Mary obstinately.
"A man has his feelings, or may have, even when he's mad. He trusted me
and he loved me, Doctor Mary. Won't you allow that I've my case--so far?"
She made no sign of assent. "Well then, I loved him--does that go any
better with you? If it doesn't, I'm in a bad way; b... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"I haven't the least idea. Thousands? Where did you get it?"
"Oh yes, thousands--and thousands. We got it mostly from the aliens in
the East End; they'd hoarded it, you know; but they were willing to sell
at a premium. The premium rose up to last month; then it dropped a
little--not much, though, because we'd exhauste... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"That would have been mere and sheer robbery," said Mary.
"Oh yes, it would," Beaumaroy agreed. "And, if I'd done it, and deserted
him, I should have deserved to be hanged. That was hardly my question. As
long as he lived, I meant to stick by him; but he was turned seventy,
frail, with heart-disease, and, as I underst... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"Yes, Doctor Mary--of sensitive honor!"
"Decide doubtful cases against themselves in money matters."
"Oh, I say, is that doctrine current in business circles? I've been in
business myself, and I doubt it."
"They do--men of real honor," Mary persisted.
"So that's how great fortunes are made? That's how individuals--to ... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"If you're not a good conspirator, it's another reason for not
conspiring, Mr. Beaumaroy. I know you conspired for him first of
all, but--"
"Well, he's safe, he's at peace. It can all come out now, and it must.
You know, and you must tell the truth. I don't know whether they can put
me in prison. I should hardly think... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
"I loved my old man," said Beaumaroy.
It was his only plea. To Mary it seemed a good one. He had loved his poor
old madman; and he had served him faithfully. "Yes, the old man found a
good friend in you; I hope you will find good friends too. Oh, I do hope
it! Because that's what you want."
"I should be very glad if I... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Neddy, the Shover, and gentlemanly Mike tiptoed off to the window, on the
right hand side of the door as one approached the house from the road.
The bottom of the window was about seven feet from the ground. Neddy bent
down and offered his broad back as a platform to his companion. Mike
mounted thereon and began his w... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Mike advanced round the left-side edge of the curtain; he had perceived
by now that it formed the back of some structure, though he could not
yet see of what nature the structure was; nor was he now examining. For
as he stepped out on the dais at the side of the canopy, his eyes were
engrossed by another feature of th... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Still--business is business. Letting the matter of the unlocked door wait
for the moment, he began to steal catlike across the floor towards the
dais. He had to investigate; also he really ought to put out those
candles; it was utterly unprofessional to leave them alight. But he could
not conquer a feeling that the pl... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Yes! But then, what of the grave? Because it was a grave and nothing
else; there was no getting away from it. What of the grave, and what
about the scepter?
And what was Mike going to do now? He was tiptoeing to the edge of the
dais. He was moving towards one of the high candlesticks, the top of
which was a little bel... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
Beaumaroy had, by this time, been standing close outside the door for
about two minutes; he had lighted a cigarette from the candle on the
parlor table. The sounds that he thought he heard were not conclusive;
creaks and cracks did sometimes come from the boarded-up window and the
rafters of the roof. But the sound of... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
And the accomplice? He shrugged his shoulders. The Sergeant was, as he
well knew from his military experience of that worthy man, an arrant
coward. He would show no fight. If the accomplice did, Beaumaroy was
quite in the mood to oblige him. But while he tackled one fellow, the
other might get off with the money--with... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
But when Beaumaroy had entered with Doctor Mary, he had not re-locked the
door; he opened it now very gently and cautiously, and saw the Sergeant's
back--there was no mistaking it. Without letting his surprise--for he had
confidently supposed the Sergeant to be in the Tower--interfere with the
instant action called fo... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 | |
With these words Beaumaroy slipped out of the door, and softly closed it
behind him.
CHAPTER XV
A NORMAL CASE
When Captain Alec brought his _fiancée_ home after the dinner of welcome
and congratulation at Old Place, it was nearly twelve o'clock. Jeanne,
however--in these days a radiant Jeanne, very different from th... | The Secret of the Tower | Hope, Anthony | 1863 | 1933 | ['en'] | 20 | {'England -- Social life and customs -- 20th century -- Fiction', 'World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Fiction', 'Mystery fiction', 'Women physicians -- Fiction'} | PG10057 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.