Gratia's Trials — page 140: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

‘oy, «<= —te ts 2-2. - , ’ e. a GRATIA’S TRIALS. 131 He was edging his way through the crowd as Alberta ap- proached her brother, and said, in a trembling whisper ; ‘‘ Robert, do you not suspect who has done this?” ‘*No.” He turned a face of indescribable terror toward her. ‘‘You are purposely blind!” she cried, still in the same whisper, which was clear and sibilant. - ‘‘It was Gratia !” ‘¢ Impossible !” ‘“Not by any means impossible; and you will find I am cor- rect. Dont you remember their quarrel last night? Don’t you remember—but you were not here in the afternoon,” she cried, recollecting herself, ‘‘ but the rest of us heard it. He announced his intention of going down to Mr. Parley’s office to make his will in her favor. Mr. Parley was with him in this very room until afternine oclock. It wasafter that that they had their long interview ; that they quarrelled in my hearing, as I chanced to be passing. Don't you see, Bob?” she cried, grasping eagerly at hisarm. ‘‘She must have perceived that her opportunity was slipping away. She knew that his will was made, and she meant that he never should have a chance of al- tering it, Oh, Z knew her all along; / saw through all her sweet smiles and gentle ways, and foretold it all, though no one ~ would believe me.” He stood looking at her, as if the force and suddenness of the calamity now descending upon their house had bereft him of the power of immediate comprehension. ‘¢ Alberta,” he said, hoarsely, ‘‘ I never thought of this before. But it may be possible—nay, I cannot deny that it is probable. This matter must be investigated.” Robert whispered to Scipio a brief order to go at once to the coroner’s office, and to give directions below stairs that not a soul should be admitted, with the exception of the police and the necessary officials. Gratia was in her room, brushing the long, bright curls, when Ida hastened into the room, Eomicbooks.co m